A father holding his child tightly Non-custodial parents should understand their rights to ensure they maximize every opportunity to interact with their children and participate in decision-making that reflects the children's best interests. While some rights of non-custodial parents are contained in divorce and custody agreements, others may not be as clear. When discussing parenting time and parental responsibilities with a family law attorney or ex-spouse, the following should be … [Read more...]

A father holds his daughter in the arm and looks to the ocean When parents who are divorcing cannot come to an agreement on their parenting plan, the courts will take a series of steps to help them come to an agreement. Those steps typically include sending the couple to mediation, appointing a child representative, and appointing a parenting coordinator. The goal in these cases is to help the parents come to a decision about their parenting plan, all while protecting the child and the … [Read more...]

A judge's gavel on the table at court When an ex spouse violates a custody order, they can be held in civil contempt of court, and penalties that range from a simple warning from the court to jail time are possible. Parents need to understand their own rights in custody violation cases as well as what measures they can take to protect their children. The goal of custody arrangements is to provide both parents with parenting rights while protecting the best interests of the children. These … [Read more...]

A father holding a daughter's hand walking together Though they are not biological parents, stepparents in Illinois have rights in divorce proceedings or after the death of a biological parent that help them protect their relationship with their stepchildren. Under current Illinois law, stepparents are recognized as important parental figures in the life of a child, and in specific circumstances may even have the right to file for custody. Stepparents May Have the Right to File for … [Read more...]