When a child's complete separation from a parent is warranted in Illinois, the courts may terminate parental rights as part of an adoption by someone else or as part of a juvenile case when abuse, neglect or abandonment is proved. Parents, guardians, or other family members may file a petition to terminate a parent's legal rights. Unless the parent in question voluntarily consents to the termination, the process requires the court to evaluate the fitness of the parent and whether terminating the … [Read more...]

The custody evaluation process is stressful for parents since parenting rights and the residential placement of their children are typically on the line, but understanding what to expect and following these guidelines can help make the process less nerve-wracking. Heeding the Advice of a Child Custody Lawyer It's important for parents to listen to the advice provided by their lawyers. An Illinois attorney is likely to be familiar with what local custody evaluators are looking for, will be able … [Read more...]

Illinois parents who never married have different rights than parents who divorce after a child is born or during pregnancy. Understanding the differences can help ensure that parents take full advantage of their rights as parents, according to DuPage County family law attorney, Denise Erlich. While it's becoming increasingly common for unmarried couples to have children, the legal system still operates on the assumption that a child's parents are legally wed. As a result, unmarried parents … [Read more...]

Temporary parenting plans create structure and stability for children during divorce proceedings, separations or in other situations when permanent custody arrangements are under development/modification. Typically lasting from one to six months, they are used to provide a stable framework for the child until the final parenting plan is agreed upon. In some cases, temporary parenting plans may become permanent. What's Covered in a Temporary Parenting Plan Temporary parenting plans are similar … [Read more...]

Parental alienation is a factor affecting many custody cases today, but many are abusing these claims. There is much controversy surrounding parental alienation syndrome and how it can influence the outcome of a case. What is Parental Alienation Syndrome? Parental alienation syndrome was initially defined in the 1980s by Dr. Richard Gardner. However, there is debate regarding whether this is a valid syndrome or if it can even be properly identified and diagnosed. Parental alienation entails … [Read more...]