Monthly Archives: September 2015

Important Time Periods for Divorces in Illinois

A well-known saying claims that “timing is everything.” This is certainly true in the context of an Illinois divorce. Built into the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act are specific time frames that must be complied with in order to obtain certain relief from the court hearing your divorce case. Failure to adhere to these time periods can result in a delay in obtaining your divorce or a dismissal of your case entirely.

Continue reading Important Time Periods for Divorces in Illinois

Service by Publication in a Divorce

Some divorcing spouses cannot wait to separate and move on with their lives, but most understand that it is necessary to let the other spouse know where they are initially living so that the divorce can be finalized. But what happens when your spouse disappears without leaving a forwarding address, telephone number, or other means of contacting him or her? Must your plans for divorce be put on the back burner if your spouse is missing in action?

Continue reading Service by Publication in a Divorce

Grandparent Rights in Illinois

It is no longer uncommon for grandparents to have physical custody and provide care for their grandchildren when the parents are undergoing difficult times. Most grandparents have significant and loving relationships with their grandchildren, and grandchildren develop similar relationships with their grandparents. As such, it may come as a shock when the parents indicate they wish to relinquish their parental rights and put their children up for adoption. What (if anything) can a grandparent do to maintain physical custody of their grandchildren if the parents wish for their children to be adopted?

Continue reading Grandparent Rights in Illinois

After Divorce: Co-Parenting into a New School Year

Walk through any department store in the country and the reminders are everywhere. With ubiquitous commercials shouting from the television and printed circulars filling the mailbox, it seems the specials and sales start increasingly earlier every year. Yet somehow, the approach of a new school year still manages to sneak up on many families. Back-to-school season can present challenges to any family, but for parents who have gone through a divorce, there is much more to consider for their children as they start school this fall.

Continue reading After Divorce: Co-Parenting into a New School Year