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