Sometimes, a parent may be so focused on what he or she believes is best for a child during the allocation of parental responsibilities that it is difficult to understand a judge making an entirely different decision, calling it “in the best interests of the child.” While custody issues are certainly emotionally charged for all those involved, family court judges must make difficult decisions regarding what is truly best for the child.
Each parent may be basing his or her wishes about child custody on the marriage itself rather than what kind of parent the other spouse really is. In
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Options When a Child Resists/Refuses Contact with a Parent
When a child resists or refuses contact with a parent following a divorce, the cause could be difficult to determine. If the child is refusing contact because of parental alienation, this is a very serious issue that can potentially result in a change to custody (the allocation of parental responsibilities). This is because an alienating parent is perpetrating a type of psychological abuse on the child when deliberately convincing the child that his or her other parent is “bad” or is wholly responsible for the divorce.
If parental alienation is not the reason the child is resisting or refusing…
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How Long Do Child Support Payments Last in Illinois?
After a divorce in Illinois, you may be responsible for continued child support payments. Depending on your family’s circumstances, you might be paying for longer than you think. If you have any concerns about how child support will be allocated, a skilled Wheaton, IL family law attorney can give you an honest assessment of your circumstances and advise you during key decisions in a divorce.
Davi Law Group has experience handling complex divorce issues and we are prepared to advocate for your financial interests with regard to child support. Attorney Dion U. Davi has been practicing family law for over…
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What Should I Do if My Spouse Is Dissipating Assets?
When a divorce turns bitter, the ensuing negotiations can become complicated very quickly. In the dissolution of a marriage, both spouses will have to disclose their assets to be appraised and divided up equitably. However, in some cases, one spouse might intentionally waste marital assets, an illegal act referred to as dissipation. If a judge finds that you have been made the victim of your spouse’s dissipation, you could be entitled to a greater share of assets in the divorce.
If you believe that your marital assets are being dissipated, you can take legal action to protect your financial…
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When Do You Need a Guardian Ad Litem in Illinois?
Divorces with children are often challenging and emotional for a family to reckon with. Parents may have conflicting plans for their children, pulling children in two different directions over issues of parenting time and decision-making responsibility.
In cases like these, the courts may decide to appoint a guardian ad litem, a special legal representative who is obligated to act in the child’s best interests. If you require the services of a compassionate advocate, the DuPage County, IL family law attorneys at Davi Law Group are certified GALs who can protect your children during an ongoing divorce.
What Does a Guardian…
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The Biggest Factors Leading to Sole Custody in Illinois
In the proceedings of a divorce, the question of child custody is one of the most pressing issues a couple can fight over. In most cases, parents can work out an amicable schedule that allows for reasonable parenting time; they may even agree on a joint custody agreement that allows the child to go between houses. However, in some cases, a judge may decide to grant one parent exclusive custody over the child or children, known as sole custody.
The allocation of parenting time and responsibilities is not taken lightly in Illinois. In general, judges prefer for children to have…
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Stepfather Adoption with No Known Biological Father
It can be incredible for a child to know that his or her stepfather wants to adopt and make their father-child relationship official. In Illinois, the adoption process can be straightforward, but it can also become complicated when the biological father is unknown.
In such cases, adoption can still move forward, but important legal steps are necessary to ensure everything is done correctly. If you want to adopt your stepchild and there is no known biological father in the picture, speak with a qualified Wheaton, IL adoption lawyer to understand your options.
Is Paternal Consent Required for Adoption?
When someone…
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If I Get Laid Off, Can I Stop Paying Child Support in Illinois?
Losing your job can be a very stressful experience. If you have financial obligations like child support, it can be especially overwhelming. While you might want to stop paying when finances are a concern, your child support obligation does not end just because you lost your job.
If you decide on your own to stop making child support payments, there could be severe consequences. A seasoned Wheaton, IL family law attorney can explain what might happen if you stop paying and help you seek court approval to modify your agreement.
What Happens if I Stop Paying Child Support?
In…
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Are Stay-At-Home Parents at a Disadvantage in an Illinois Divorce?
There is no one right way to live life. Some people spend their adult years traveling the world or building a rich social life, some are more focused on advancing their careers, and others concentrate on raising a family. These choices are inspired equally by a person’s wishes, unique background, and financial circumstances.
With so many options to choose from, it is no wonder that people who get divorced can be in very different situations. Divorce can be very different for a couple where both spouses have high-powered, lucrative careers than for a couple where one spouse is a stay-at-home…
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DCFS Was Called On Me. What Should I Do?
People often call on the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) if they are concerned for a child’s safety. Sometimes, their concerns are unfounded and based on wrong or lacking information. While parents can find it overwhelming and stressful to deal with DCFS showing up at their home and investigating claims of abuse or neglect, they still have rights. If you are in a situation like this, speak with an experienced DuPage County, IL family law attorney to understand how to protect yourself.
What Does DCFS Do?
DCFS is a state agency that handles adoption and foster care cases…
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Should I Request a Psychological Evaluation in my Illinois Divorce?
When parents get a divorce, it can be physically and emotionally challenging for them to split custody. Parents often want the ability to help their children start their day every morning and tuck them into bed every night. Even if something keeps them from being with their children whenever they want, the idea of limiting their parenting time can be difficult to handle.
Beyond wanting their child with them as much as possible, some parents fear that he or she will not be safe. Whether the other parent lacks the ability or desire to provide the child with a…
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My Ex Is Not Holding Up His End of Our Settlement. Now What?
When a couple gets divorced, they end their proceedings with a settlement that details exactly what is expected of each spouse. It outlines their parenting plan, spousal maintenance payments, division of property, and every other aspect of how their lives will proceed once the marriage is over. When one ex stops holding up their end of the deal, it can be extremely distressing for the other.
A recent case of a local man being held in contempt and jailed for two years for not paying his ex what he was ordered to pay in the divorce has highlighted just…
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What Options Are Available for Divorce in Illinois?
One thing that can unite all people is the fact that every one of us is different. No one is exactly alike, which is why every marriage has a unique dynamic and every divorce can be distinctive. Luckily, Illinois law recognizes that one type of arrangement would not suit every couple looking to end their marriage. This article will examine different divorce options available in Illinois. If you and your spouse are considering divorce, speak with an experienced DuPage County, IL divorce lawyer to review your options and discuss which one best suits your particular needs.
What Is Contested…
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Why Would Someone Opt for Legal Separation Over Divorce in Illinois?
While most people dream of finding someone they can have their “happily ever after” with, not all marriages last forever. Since all people are different and unique, it makes sense that divorce might not always be the best option for every couple that wants to end their marriage. Depending on various factors and circumstances, legal separation might be a much more fitting option. If you and your spouse are considering ending your marriage but are not sure about divorce, speak with an experienced Wheaton, IL family law attorney to see whether legal separation could suit you better.
Why Not Divorce?
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If I Was Pressured Into Signing a Prenup, Are My Hands Tied? | IL
There is a lot of confusion about what a prenuptial agreement does. This legal document is intended to help spouses protect their assets and have open and honest communication about their finances and expectations. If a couple with a valid prenup later gets a divorce, it can help make the process go much smoother and faster, because a lot of the issues that need to be decided in divorce proceedings have already been agreed upon and finalized.
Some people mistakenly think that signing one spells doom for a couple before they are even married. People generally prefer not to…
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Liability for a Spouse’s Credit Card Debt After Divorce
When you realize you are headed toward divorce, your mind can be flooded by endless thoughts and concerns about what will happen to you financially. There are child support and alimony payments to think about. You and your spouse will have to figure out how you will be dividing your marital assets. On top of it all, couples getting divorced in Illinois also need to settle how they will divide their marital debt. If your spouse has amassed significant credit card debt, you are probably wondering whether you will be stuck paying for it all. A seasoned…
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