Category Archives: Wheaton Divorce Attorney
Visitation Rights in Illinois
Although the court strives to give every divorcing parent custodial time with his or her children, this is not always feasible. In cases where this cannot be achieved, the noncustodial parent is usually granted visitation rights with his or her children. Visitation rights are court-ordered visits between a parent and child that are meant to maintain the bond between the parent and the child.
Same-Sex Marriage in Illinois
American society is in a constant state of change – especially the field of family law. Just a decade ago, same-sex couples could only dream of getting married in most of the United States. Today, homosexual and heterosexual couples alike have the right to marry in 37 states.
A Glossary of Divorce Terms
Divorce is a common legal process that many couples will have to go through. However, as with many legal proceedings, the terminology can often form an unnecessary obstacle to people’s understanding it. This glossary of divorce terms should help people cut through the legal jargon to understand what is going on in their own divorce case.
Child Support Modification in Illinois
If you can not afford to make your child support payments, do not simply stop paying. Failure to pay your child support can lead to fines, loss of your driver’s license, wage garnishment and other monetary seizures, and even jail time. As a parent, you are legally required to financially provide for your child.
Child Support: The Legal Process
If you have a child or children, you are required by law to support child until the child reaches the age of majority. The amount of child support you are required to pay must be reviewed and subsequently approved by a court of law. Once a judge approves the amount of child support obligation the non-custodial parent owes, the judge will put that amount into a judicial order. This judicial order is recorded and the determined amount must be paid. If a non-custodial parent fails to pay his or her child support obligation, he or she may be held in civil contempt, where he or she can be arrested until he or she “purges,” or pays, a specified amount of past due support.
Divorce in the Digital Age: How Social Media Can Negatively Affect Relationships
The soaring popularity of social media has changed the way people connect to each other, the way they interact, and even the way they break up. Pew Research reports that as of January 2014, 74 percent of adults use social media with Facebook being the most frequented site. Matters are not kept as private as before the digital age and insight into a person’s relationship can easily be revealed online. There are people who mistakenly believe group forums or online chat are private or anonymous and may say things that can be used against them later in court during divorce proceedings.
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Arranged Marriage and Divorce
In Western society, the concept of arranged marriage may be an unfamiliar, seemingly outdated idea. Most Americans would bristle at the thought of their parents trying to set them up with a partner with whom they are expected to spend the rest of their lives. In other cultures, however, arranged marriages are a social norm and, in fact, a rather stable institution. When compared to non-arranged or “love” marriages, the divorce rate worldwide for arranged marriages is significantly lower. However, cultural differences regarding the acceptance of divorce in general may contribute to such a disproportionate comparison.
Understanding Joint Child Custody under Illinois Law
During the past few years, joint child custody has become a popular choice in Illinois because it permits both parents the opportunity to spend time with their children. In this way, children benefit, too, as they don’t feel cut off from seeing one of their parents. However, joint child custody can have a downside: Co-parenting can exacerbate disagreements between the parents and present long-term challenges.
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Divorce and Pets
The decision to file for divorce can be among the most difficult choices you may ever make. You may have exhausted every option available to try and save your marriage, but ultimately, you realize that you and your partner are better apart. It is no surprise to you that divorce can be stressful, especially trying to negotiate the various considerations necessary under law. As the process moves along, many people find themselves feeling sad and lonely, but you know that as long as you have your dog, you are never really alone — but, wait! How do you know for sure you will still have your dog when the divorce is finalized? Divorce and pets is becoming a more common issue in courtrooms across the country.
Visitation Guidelines: Custody Dos and Don’ts for Healthy Co-Parenting
Divorce affects children in different ways. Research published by Northern Illinois University shows that adolescents with divorced parents are 15 percent more disengaged from their families than adolescents from two parent homes. Healthy co-parenting is important for a child’s development even after the dissolution of a marriage. This is why it is important to have visitation guidelines to follow.
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