SBK Law Group Blog

At SBK Law Group, our team is here to help with your legal concerns. If you need to address family law issues related to your marriage, your divorce, or your children, we can stand by your side and protect your family's best interests. We can help you create a comprehensive estate plan so your family will be prepared for the future. We can assist with business law issues, immigration concerns, and multiple forms of courtroom litigation.

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Latest from SBK Law Group Blog

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


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

Technology touches every part of our lives, and divorce cases are no exception. Divorcing couples face complex challenges, and the use of technology can offer several valuable benefits. From organizing financial documents to tracking communications, the right digital tools can make the divorce process more efficient and less stressful. At SBK Law Group, we’ve seen how technology can provide better outcomes for our clients, especially in cases involving substantial assets, custody disputes, or intricate financial details. 
Complex divorces often involve a great deal of information. Whether it’s sorting through financial records, determining property values, or handling child custody arrangements,
Continue Reading Using Technology In Complex Divorces In Illinois