Deployment orders can turn a family’s life upside down fast. If you share custody of your child, one of your first questions is probably what will happen to your parenting plan while you are gone. Will you come home to the same rights you had before you left?
Illinois law protects deployed parents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States had about 15.8 million veterans in 2023. Many of those service members are parents with active custody arrangements, which means Illinois family courts deal with this situation all the time. Knowing your rights before you deploy…
Continue Reading What Happens to Your Parenting Plan When You Are Deployed in the Military?

It is common for couples to divorce between their 20s and 40s. That said, more and more couples are choosing to end their marriages later in life. This trend is known as gray divorce. People who choose gray divorces are typically 50 and older, and the numbers are striking. According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, nearly 40 percent of people getting divorced are age 50 or older. 
If you are considering a divorce later in life, a Wheaton, IL divorce attorney can help you understand the unique legal and financial factors involved. 
Why Are So…
Continue Reading Why Do Some Couples Divorce Later in Life?

If you finalized your divorce, you have already reached a settlement and moved on. Then perhaps you heard that Illinois changed its child support guidelines, or that some other element of state or federal law has changed. Now you are wondering: Does that change my order? Do I have to go back to court?
A Wheaton family law attorney can walk you through how changes to Illinois law affect your situation. But the key point is this: A change in the law does not automatically change your existing court order. Here is what you need to know in 2026.
Continue Reading What Happens to Your Divorce Agreement When Illinois Law Changes?

Americans love a reason to celebrate. Birthdays, promotions, retirements — if it marks a major life change, there is probably a party for it. So it should come as no surprise that divorce parties have become a cultural trend. But is it actually okay to celebrate the end of a marriage?
A Wheaton divorce attorney can advise you on the best way to handle your divorce the whole way through: beginning, middle, and end, which may just be worth throwing a party for.  
Are Divorce Parties a Thing in 2026?
Divorce parties have been growing in popularity for years. What…
Continue Reading Is It Socially Acceptable to Throw a Divorce Party?

Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects people from all backgrounds. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than one in three women and one in four men experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Despite how common domestic violence is in 2026, many harmful myths continue to exist.
These false beliefs make it harder for victims to recognize abuse, seek help, or leave dangerous situations. If you or someone you care about is experiencing abuse, a DuPage County domestic violence lawyer can provide the legal guidance and support needed to get out of…
Continue Reading Busting Common Misbeliefs About Domestic Violence

When you discover your spouse has been unfaithful, it can feel deeply unfair to think you might still have to pay them alimony, also called spousal support. After all, they broke their marriage vows. You might believe the courts would punish them for their actions by denying them alimony. Unfortunately, the reality is more complicated.
If you are going through a divorce and want to know how cheating affects alimony in 2026, a Wheaton, IL divorce attorney can explain your specific situation.
Does Cheating Affect Alimony in Illinois?
The short answer is no. Under 750 ILCS 5/504, courts…
Continue Reading Do I Still Have to Pay Alimony in Illinois if My Spouse Cheated on Me?

Joint custody has become more common in Illinois family courts over the past several years. Judges in 2026 increasingly choose arrangements where children spend as much time as possible with both parents. This shift is based on growing evidence that children do better when both parents stay involved in their lives.
When parents divorce, one of their biggest concerns is often how it will affect the children. Many parents worry that splitting time between two homes will be bad for their kids. These are valid concerns, but there are several ways to address them. Our Wheaton, IL child custody…
Continue Reading Easing the Stress of Joint Custody for Your Children

If you share custody of your child, relocating requires careful consideration and potential legal action. In Illinois, parents who wish to move with their children must follow specific procedures. Even if you believe the move will benefit your family, you likely need court approval. Before you pack any boxes, talk to our DuPage County, IL child custody lawyer. At Fawell & Fawell, we will guide you through the legal aspects of relocation and custody and protect your parental rights.
What Counts as Relocation Under Illinois Law?
Illinois law defines “relocation” differently depending on where you live. Under 750 ILCS …
Continue Reading How Relocation Affects Custody Orders in Illinois

Life can change in many ways after your divorce is finalized. In Illinois, the law allows you to request a modification of your divorce decree if your circumstances have changed significantly. First, you have to identify whether your new situation warrants a change. The first step is to have our knowledgeable Wheaton, IL post-divorce modifications lawyer review the details of your case.
When Can You Ask the Court To Modify a Divorce Decree in Illinois?
Although a divorce decree is legally binding, certain parts can be modified under Illinois law. According to 750 ILCS 5/510, you can ask the…
Continue Reading Can You Modify a Divorce Decree in Illinois?

In Illinois, property division in a divorce is the process of splitting up property that you and your spouse accumulated during your marriage. But what is included in that property? Can you agree with your spouse to keep certain things if you give up others?
Illinois uses an equitable distribution system, which just means that assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Understanding what must be divided, and what you may be able to keep, is the first step in the process.
At Fawell & Fawell, our DuPage County divorce attorney focuses exclusively on family law. We…
Continue Reading What Do You Have to Divide With Your Spouse in a Divorce?

Divorce almost always involves angry spouses, and in many cases, one spouse’s anger or violence triggers well-justified fear in the other spouse. This can lead spouses to ask the court to set clear boundaries for safety and peace of mind.
Illinois law provides two main tools for this: mutual stay-away orders and orders of protection. While both restrict contact between spouses, they serve different purposes and carry very different legal consequences. At Fawell & Fawell, our Wheaton divorce attorney can help you understand these options and decide whether you want to ask for a protective order. 
What Is a Mutual…
Continue Reading Mutual Stay-Away Orders vs. Orders of Protection During Divorce

Families today come in all shapes and sizes. Some parents live in tiny houses, travel internationally for work, or share a home with grandparents. These non-traditional living arrangements can be rewarding for children in many ways, but they can also complicate child custody decisions when parents get divorced.
If you are a parent navigating a divorce or custody case in Illinois, it is important to understand how your family’s lifestyle may affect your child’s custody case. Our Wheaton child custody lawyer can help. 
How Do Non-Traditional Living Arrangements Affect Custody?
In Illinois, child custody decisions are based on the best…
Continue Reading Child Custody for Non-Traditional Living Arrangements 

Child custody disputes are often the most stressful part of a divorce. Many parents wonder whether their child’s wishes will affect the court’s decision about parenting time. In Illinois, children do not have the final say about where they live. However, judges can consider a child’s preference as one of many factors when deciding what arrangement is in the child’s best interests. If you are facing a custody case, speaking with a DuPage County, IL family law attorney can help you understand how the law may apply to your situation.
Does a Child’s Preference Impact Custody in Illinois?
Illinois…
Continue Reading Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Illinois?