While child support in Illinois usually ends when a child reaches the age of majority, the child's specific circumstances can significantly impact the lifespan of support payments. School status, emancipation and disability may also play a role in the continuation or termination of child support. Age of Majority in Illinois Based on State Law A child support order will typically determine when the paying parent's requirement to pay child support ends, which is normally once the child reaches … [Read more...]

Having a criminal record can negatively impact a parent's chance of being awarded custody. However, the circumstances surrounding any prior convictions and other factors can influence how much impact any such convictions have. Best Interests of the Child Illinois law specifically outlines the factors that are considered by the courts when determining what is in the best interests of the child. This is the legal standard the courts use when making decisions about child custody or visitation. … [Read more...]

Recent changes in Illinois family law have made it more important than ever for parents involved in child custody disputes to understand how courts reach decisions in such cases. Under the old laws, custody disputes were generally resolved by granting joint custody to both parents, or sole custody to one parent. In joint custody cases, both parents shared the authority to make decisions with regard to the child's education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and religious … [Read more...]