As divorce attorneys working with families across Downers Grove and the greater Chicago area, we understand how frustrating and emotional it can be when your ex refuses to follow through with scheduled parenting time. Whether they frequently cancel at the last minute or completely stop showing up, it puts unnecessary stress on you and confusion on your child. Parenting time is more than a legal agreement—it’s supposed to provide structure and consistency for your child’s well-being. When one parent fails to follow through, it can cause disruption and raise important legal questions under Illinois law.
Under the Illinois Marriage and…
Continue Reading What To Do When You Ex Does Not Exercise Visitation

As Illinois divorce attorneys, we work with clients facing a wide range of circumstances. One of the more difficult situations we see is when a marriage breaks down during or after a serious health diagnosis. While every relationship is different, recent studies have shown a troubling pattern: marriages are significantly more likely to end when the wife is the partner facing a serious illness. For many families, the combination of emotional stress, caregiving responsibilities, and shifting family dynamics during illness can bring existing issues to the surface or make it harder to maintain the relationship.
A well-known study published in…
Continue Reading How Health Crises Affect Divorce In Illinois

When you are going through a divorce or custody battle, your relationship with your child should remain strong and protected. Unfortunately, there are times when one parent attempts to damage that bond by influencing a child’s view of the other parent. This behavior is called parental alienation, and it’s more common than many people think. We’ve worked with countless parents in Illinois who are facing this painful situation. It can be confusing, emotionally draining, and legally complex.
If you notice that your child’s behavior toward you has changed significantly and without explanation, if they express unwarranted anger or seem fearful…
Continue Reading What To Do If You Suspect Parental Alienation

Co-parenting after a divorce can be challenging, but Illinois law encourages both parents to remain active in their child’s life whenever possible. A well-structured parenting plan is essential for minimizing conflict and providing stability for the child. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.10, Illinois law requires parents to submit a Parenting Plan outlining decision-making responsibilities, parenting time, and methods for handling disputes.
A successful parenting plan should address the following:

• Decision-making authority regarding education, medical care, extra-curricular activities, and religious upbringing
• A detailed parenting time schedule, including holidays and vacations
• Communication methods between parents and the child
• Procedures for resolving disputes

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Continue Reading Successful Co-Parenting: Tips For Working Together After Divorce In Illinois

Deciding to file for divorce is not a choice that should be made lightly. While Illinois is a no-fault divorce state under 750 ILCS 5/401(a), meaning neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing, the emotional and financial consequences of divorce can be significant. Before making this decision, it is very important to assess the state of your relationship and determine whether divorce is truly the best option.
A thoughtful evaluation can help clarify whether reconciliation is possible or if divorce is necessary to move forward. Identifying patterns of conflict, financial concerns, parenting struggles, and long-term goals can provide critical insights.
Continue Reading How To Assess Your Relationship Before Filing For Divorce

Parenting time decisions in Illinois are based on what serves the child’s best interests. Courts consider various factors when determining a custody arrangement that fosters a stable, healthy, and supportive environment for the child. While parents often have different views on what is best, Illinois law provides clear guidelines to ensure fairness and protect the child’s well-being.
Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7, parenting time is allocated based on specific considerations that help the court determine the most appropriate arrangement. At SBK Law Group, we help parents understand their rights and work toward solutions that benefit both the children and the…
Continue Reading What Factors Influence Parenting Time Decisions In Illinois Custody Cases?

Relocating with a child after a divorce can be a complex legal issue for parents in Illinois. The decision to move often arises due to new job opportunities, family support, or a fresh start, but when children are involved, Illinois law sets clear guidelines to protect both parental rights and the child’s best interests. The legal process ensures that both parents have a say when one parent plans to relocate. Courts carefully assess whether the move will disrupt the child’s relationship with both parents or the child’s overall well-being. As Downers Grove family attorneys, we help parents understand their legal…
Continue Reading Relocating With A Child After Divorce In Illinois

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/602.10) requires that any case involving parental responsibilities has a parenting plan entered within 18 months of the case’s start. Illinois courts require entry of parenting plans by a deadline to encourage stability, ensure the child’s needs are met while the case is still ongoing, and to prevent future conflicts between the parties. 
Parenting plans are considered court orders that set out the parents’ legal responsibilities regarding parenting their minor child with the other parent. Not only is a parenting plan required by law, but a well-crafted one…
Continue Reading Creating A Comprehensive Parenting Plan In Illinois

Life changes, and with those changes, existing custody orders may no longer fit your family’s circumstances. If you need to modify a custody order in Lombard, the process can feel overwhelming. However, Illinois law allows parents to request modifications under specific conditions. Whether the changes are due to relocation, new work schedules, or other significant factors, it’s important that you understand the process and how Illinois law applies to your case. Seeking legal guidance early in your case will make the process smoother while protecting your rights as a parent.
Under Illinois law, child custody (now referred to as “…
Continue Reading What To Do If You Need To Modify A Custody Order In Lombard

Divorce is a challenging process, often filled with emotional and financial stress. However, divorce does not need to end in bitter courtroom battles. Mediation provides couples with a more amicable and cost-effective way to resolve disputes so they can move forward with their lives. Mediation provides a structured, cooperative environment to address highly-contested legal matters such as child custody, property division, and spousal support arrangements. Illinois law supports mediation as a viable alternative to litigation because mediation promotes collaboration and reduces conflict.
Mediation is valuable because it allows both spouses to maintain control over the decisions that will shape their…
Continue Reading How Mediation Can Help Downers Grove Couples Resolve Divorce Disputes Amicably

When Illinois parents work through custody arrangements, concerns about substance abuse can make a challenging process even more complicated. Illinois courts focus on the “best interests of the child,” so any issues related to a parent’s substance use, past or present, can strongly influence custody decisions. Handling these matters requires a careful, balanced approach that recognizes a parent’s difficulties while prioritizing the child’s safety and well-being. Let’s now look at how Illinois law addresses substance abuse in custody cases, how it can impact visitation rights, and some effective legal strategies for parents dealing with substance use concerns. With…
Continue Reading Dealing With Substance Abuse Issues In Custody Arrangements

Divorce can impact many aspects of life, from finances to personal relationships. One area that’s often overlooked, however, is the need to update your will and other estate planning documents after a divorce. It’s essential to ensure that your wishes reflect your new circumstances, protecting both your assets and your family’s future. Failing to update your will after a divorce can lead to unintended consequences, including allowing an ex-spouse to inherit property or control assets in ways you no longer intend. In Illinois, specific laws and statutes come into play regarding wills, inheritance, and the distribution of assets after a…
Continue Reading The Importance Of Updating Your Will After Divorce

When planning for the future, it’s important to understand how gifts can affect your overall estate plan. In Illinois, while the state doesn’t impose a gift tax, federal gift tax rules still apply, and it’s essential to know how these rules impact your estate planning strategies. As estate planning attorneys serving DuPage County and the surrounding areas, we often guide clients through the complexities of gifting, whether it’s to family members, friends, or charitable organizations. By understanding how gifts are taxed—or not taxed—you can better protect your wealth and pass it on in the most efficient way.
One of the…
Continue Reading How The Illinois Gift Tax Impacts Estate Planning