Protecting your child custody rights in Illinois requires careful attention to the law and your actions during and after the divorce process. Parents often underestimate how certain behaviors can negatively affect their custody rights, even when they have the best intentions. Courts in Illinois prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody, and specific mistakes can lead to losing or restricting parental responsibilities.
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/601 et seq.) outlines the rules governing child custody, referred to as the allocation of parental responsibilities. Courts assess several factors when deciding…
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In Illinois child custody cases, disputes often center on ensuring the best interests of the child, which can be complex when parents disagree about what that entails. In such cases, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to represent the child’s best interests. A Guardian ad Litem is a neutral third party, typically an attorney with specific training, who is tasked with investigating the family dynamics and advising the court on what arrangement will serve the child’s welfare. Understanding the role of a Guardian ad Litem can help parents navigate custody disputes with greater clarity, ensuring that their…
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In child custody cases, keeping detailed records of communication is very important. Custody disputes often involve strong emotions, and interactions with the other parent can be difficult. Accurate records of each significant exchange can help protect both your interests and those of your child. Documentation is an objective record that helps the court make decisions about parenting responsibilities. With well-organized documentation, our custody attorneys will have more evidence to clarify misunderstandings, help resolve disputes, and keep the focus on the child’s well-being. Illinois courts prioritize the best interests of the child, so thorough, organized documentation helps us provide the…
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International child custody disputes are the most challenging cases for both parents and legal professionals. When a parent moves or attempts to move a child across international borders, the legal complexities increase. Understanding the legal framework surrounding international custody disputes is essential for achieving the best outcome for your family. Our goal is to help parents make informed decisions and protect their parental rights in these cases. The following sections will provide insight into the relevant Illinois and federal custody laws, as well as the international treaties that often come into play.
Illinois Custody Laws And International Disputes
In Illinois, child custody…
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When a marriage involves significant assets, the divorce process can become more complex, and protecting your wealth becomes a top priority. In Illinois, high-asset divorces often involve complex and intricate legal issues, from business valuations to the division of retirement accounts, real estate, and other valuable holdings. The key to protecting your wealth is understanding Illinois’ legal framework and ensuring that your interests are represented at every step.
At our firm, we understand the emotional and financial strain that a divorce can bring, especially when substantial assets are at stake. Divorce doesn’t just end a marriage; it requires us to disentangle…
Continue Reading Protecting Your Wealth During a High-Asset Divorce In Illinois

In Illinois, most parenting agreements are set forth in a court order known as an Allocation Judgment. These agreements have the force of a court order. Amongst other things, Allocation Judgments set out each parent’s parenting time, commonly referred to as visitation schedules. When one parent fails or refuses to abide by the court-ordered agreement, it tends to cause great frustration and emotional stress for both parent and child. Under Illinois law, there are ways that you can have your parenting time respected.
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act governs how parenting time is set, see 750 ILCS …
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For many clients, one of the most important issues in a divorce in Chicago is how they are going to be financially supported during the divorce. This is where temporary support orders come in. The goal of temporary support orders is to provide financial stability to a spouse and, sometimes, children pending the divorce. This can include both spousal maintenance, more commonly referred to as alimony and child support.
In Illinois, temporary support orders are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/501. Temporary orders may be requested anytime during a case and may…
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As a Chicago divorce attorney with years of experience, I’ve seen many cases where domestic violence is a crucial factor in divorce proceedings. Understanding the legal measures available in Illinois is vital for anyone facing this traumatic experience. It’s essential to know your rights and the legal steps that can protect you and your family during these challenging times.
Understanding Domestic Violence In The Context Of Divorce
Domestic violence encompasses a range of behaviors that can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, economic deprivation, and threats of violence. In Illinois, these actions between family or household members are not only criminal…
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When facing a divorce in Illinois, one of the most critical financial issues you’ll encounter is the division of retirement accounts and pension plans. As a Chicago divorce attorney with years of experience, I understand that these matters can be complex and emotionally charged. My role is to guide you through this process, ensuring a fair division of these assets and protecting your future financial security.
 
Retirement accounts and pensions are often among the most valuable assets that spouses share, and determining how to divide them equitably can be intricate. Illinois law requires marital property to be distributed equitably…
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As a divorce attorney practicing in Chicago, I frequently encounter questions from clients about the impact of adultery on divorce proceedings in Illinois. Understanding how infidelity can influence the dissolution of marriage in our state is crucial for anyone navigating this challenging time.
Adultery And Illinois Law
In Illinois, historically one could seek a divorce for multiple reasons including a spouse’s infidelity. The grounds for divorce transitioned to what is referred to as “no-fault” in 2016. This change means that the court does not require proof of fault, such as adultery, to dissolve a marriage. Instead, the state only…
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As an experienced divorce mediation attorney practicing in Chicago and the surrounding area, Attorney Michael C. Craven has guided numerous clients through the mediation process, ensuring their rights are protected and their unique family needs are met. He often advises his clients that mediation should be their first consideration when facing the prospect of divorce. This advice isn’t just based on a preference for amicable resolutions—it’s deeply rooted in the practical benefits that mediation offers under Illinois divorce laws and statutes.
Understanding The Value Of Divorce Mediation
Mediation provides a platform for both parties to discuss and resolve their disputes…
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In Illinois, child custody battles are complex and emotionally charged proceedings that determine how parental responsibilities and parenting time are allocated between separated or divorced parents. When drug crime charges are introduced into the equation, the situation can become even more complicated. Understanding how these charges might influence the outcome of child custody disputes is crucial for any parent facing such legal challenges.
Under Illinois law, the primary concern in child custody cases is the best interests of the child. Courts consider multiple factors to ensure that the child’s health, safety, and welfare are prioritized. When one parent faces…
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Navigating a divorce is invariably challenging, and the complexities only amplify when one of the spouses is pregnant. For couples in Illinois facing this situation, it’s crucial to understand the legal stipulations and emotional considerations associated with divorcing while pregnant.
In Illinois, there are no statutory prohibitions against filing for divorce while pregnant. The courts can process divorce petitions irrespective of pregnancy. However, the presence of a pregnancy can affect certain aspects of the divorce proceedings, particularly those related to parental responsibilities and child support.
Parentage and Paternity
Illinois law assumes that the husband in a marriage is the biological…
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