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In Illinois, the concept of ‘child custody’ is now referred to as the ‘allocation of parental responsibilities.’ Under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/602.5), state courts are required to “allocate decision-making responsibilities according to the child’s best interests.” As a general rule, Illinois courts presume that it is best for a child to have an active, ongoing relationship with both parents.   However, there are exceptions. Unfortunately, some parents are simply not fit t...   Read more ...  

When a teenager refuses parenting time, parents often feel stuck between honoring their child’s feelings and following a court order. In Chicago and across Illinois, this situation arises frequently as children grow older and become more vocal about their preferences. Emotions can escalate quickly, especially when one parent believes the other is encouraging resistance. Courts, however, focus less on frustration and more on legal responsibility and the child’s best interests. Understanding h...   Read more ...  

A Comprehensive Guide for Families in Chicago and Surrounding Areas Deciding child custody, now referred to in Illinois as allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, is one of the most significant and emotional issues families face during divorce or separation. While terminology has changed under Illinois law, the core legal principle remains the same: courts in Chicago, Chicago and throughout Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and beyond must make decisions that reflect ...   Read more ...  

Deciding whether to move out of the marital home before filing for divorce is one of the most stressful and emotionally charged choices a spouse can face. Many people believe that leaving early will make the divorce easier or reduce conflict, but in Illinois, that decision can carry serious legal consequences. Moving out too soon can affect finances, parenting time, property rights, and even how a judge views certain disputes later in the case. We regularly speak with clients who moved out witho...   Read more ...  

Many families in Illinois face significant challenges when parents live in separate households. We have seen how work schedules, school commitments, and long distances can interfere with consistent parent-child contact. Virtual visitation has become an important tool for maintaining strong connections, especially when traditional parenting schedules do not allow daily interaction. As divorce attorneys serving families throughout Chicago, we understand how meaningful it is for parents to preserve...   Read more ...  

When clients come to us with questions about dividing property during a divorce, they are often surprised by how detailed Illinois law is on this subject. Many assume everything acquired during the marriage is automatically split in half, but that is not how property division works in our state. Illinois follows an “equitable distribution” structure, which means property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. Understanding what counts as marital property and what remains non-marital oft...   Read more ...