Posted on August 18, 2023 in Divorce

The end of a long-term relationship can be challenging for everyone involved, and a divorce or separation can be especially hard on children. Co-parenting is a way to ensure that children continue to receive the love and support they need from both parents, even after the parents' marriage or relationship has ended. While co-parenting may not always be easy, the effort helps protect the children's well-being. As you work to resolve child custody issues in your divorce and establish workable co-parenting arrangements, following these tips can help make the process easier for everyone involved:

1. Put Your Children First

The primary focus of co-parenting should always be what is in the best interest of your children. You will want to do your best to set aside any personal differences with your ex-spouse and make decisions based on what will benefit your children's emotional and physical development. By prioritizing your children's needs over your own desires, you can create a healthier environment for them as they grow up.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 07, 2023 in Child Custody

In any divorce or separation involving children, Illinois courts require the parents to create a parenting plan that outlines how they will share parenting time, decision-making authority, and other child-related responsibilities. A parenting plan is a legal document that helps ensure both parents are involved in their children's lives and provides a framework for co-parenting after the dissolution of a couple's marriage or the end of their relationship. By understanding what will be included in a parenting plan, parents can make sure they will be able to resolve child-related issues during a divorce or family law case, and they can be prepared to work together to raise their children in the years to come.

The Basics of a Parenting Plan

A parenting plan will cover a wide variety of relevant issues related to raising children, ensuring that parents can make decisions about important aspects of their children's lives and provide for their children's ongoing needs. While each case may have its unique considerations based on a family's circumstances, here are some common elements that will be addressed in an Illinois parenting plan:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 21, 2023 in Divorce

Going through a divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging. However, the divorce process can become even more complicated when one spouse suspects that the other is hiding assets. In Illinois, the law requires both parties to fully disclose their assets during divorce proceedings. Unfortunately, some individuals may try to conceal or undervalue certain assets in order to gain an unfair advantage when dividing marital property during the divorce process.

If you believe your spouse has hidden assets, consulting with an experienced family law attorney who can help uncover these issues and ensure a fair division of property is crucial. At The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C., our skilled divorce lawyer understands the complexities involved in identifying and addressing hidden assets in an Illinois divorce.

Identifying Hidden Assets

The process of identifying hidden assets will often involve a thorough investigation and analysis of financial records by professionals such as forensic accountants or private investigators. These experts can uncover discrepancies and trace money trails that might lead to undisclosed assets.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 18, 2023 in Divorce

During the divorce process, couples will need to address a wide variety of issues, and they will need to determine how to resolve disputes over issues such as property division and child custody. To ensure that a divorce can be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible, couples will often look at what options are available for resolving their outstanding issues and avoiding conflict. Mediation is a popular alternative to traditional litigation for couples who are seeking an amicable resolution to their divorce. During the mediation process, a couple will work together with a neutral third-party mediator to negotiate with each other and reach agreements on important divorce-related issues. If you are planning to use mediation to create a divorce settlement, you will need to understand the steps to take as you prepare to address and resolve the issues in your case.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 13, 2023 in Divorce

Getting a divorce can be a complex and difficult process, regardless of the situation. However, for stay-at-home parents, the divorce process can involve a variety of unique concerns and considerations. From financial concerns to child-related issues, stay-at-home parents need to be aware of their rights and options when going through a divorce.

The Importance of Legal Representation

When facing a divorce, the assistance of an experienced divorce lawyer can be crucial for a stay-at-home parent. An attorney who is knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Illinois family law can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, ensuring that the best interests of the parent and children are protected. As a parent, your attorney can help negotiate child custody arrangements, determine child support obligations, advocate for a fair division of assets, and determine whether spousal support may be appropriate.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 12, 2023 in Divorce

Managing the many emotions you experience during your divorce can be an incredibly challenging and draining experience. Even if the divorce is something you want, the end of your marriage can bring forth a range of intense feelings, including sadness, anger, fear, and confusion. Effectively managing these emotions is important, and it can ensure that you will be able to navigate the divorce process in a healthy and constructive manner. The following are some tips that may help:

Do Not Suppress Your Emotions

First and foremost, you should recognize the importance of acknowledging and accepting the emotions that you may encounter. Divorce is a significant life transition, and you are likely to experience a wide array of emotions during this time. Allowing yourself to feel and process these emotions can be cathartic, and it can help prevent negative feelings from building up and causing further distress.

Get the Support You Need

Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be essential while navigating through your divorce. Having a solid support system in place can provide you with a safe space to express your emotions, gain some perspective, and receive guidance. Friends and family can offer comfort and understanding, while a therapist can provide professional help while you try to figure out what you want your new future to look like.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 29, 2023 in Child Custody

In Illinois, no legal presumption favors mothers over fathers in child custody cases. Both parents have equal parental rights, and the Court makes decisions about the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time based on the child's best interests. In cases where parents are unmarried, establishing paternity will ensure that a father will be able to assert his parental rights, and until the father is named the child's legal parent, the mother may have sole custody of a child.

What Factors Does the Court Consider in Child Custody Cases?

When determining how issues related to child custody will be addressed, the Court may consider various factors to determine what arrangements will be in the best interests of the child. The issues considered may include the:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 26, 2023 in Divorce

Our world has changed dramatically in the past decade. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the rise in sophisticated technology, our lives have been changed in ways that we never imagined. As a result, there are more considerations than ever for divorcing parents to keep in mind as they prepare for their separation.

If you are getting divorced, your parenting plan will include decisions about the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, information about your right to access child-related records, provisions addressing future modifications of the parenting plan, and much more. However, divorcing parents should not stop at the bare minimum. They may also need to address the following five key issues:

Technology and Online Safety

With the increased use of technology in children's everyday lives, online safety has become a major issue for parents to consider when creating their parenting plan. Whether agreeing on appropriate internet usage or developing guidelines for monitoring online activity, both parents should be aware of their expectations in order to ensure the safety of their children.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 07, 2023 in Divorce

Many people considering divorce assume that keeping lawyers out of the process is the best way to reduce conflict and simplify the divorce process. They believe that hiring an attorney will mean that the divorce becomes an adversarial “me versus them” situation. However, this is not the case.

Divorce attorneys offer a multitude of benefits during divorce, and hiring a divorce lawyer does not mean that your divorce will be acrimonious. Many divorce lawyers offer alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, which focus on amicably negotiated settlements instead of litigated court processes.

State-Specific Legal Knowledge and Advice

Divorce is a complex field that requires in-depth knowledge of state-specific laws and procedures. An experienced divorce lawyer will have a comprehensive understanding of the Illinois divorce process and the legal system as a whole. From property division and parenting plans to spousal maintenance, divorce lawyers provide valuable guidance, helping you navigate the intricacies of the process and protecting your rights.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 02, 2023 in Child Support

Unmarried and divorced parents are often required to pay child support to their child's other parent. The amount of parent pays is based on the Income Shares Model, which considers both parents' net incomes to determine an appropriate payment amount.

Child support is crucial for covering child-related expenses such as housing, tuition or other educational costs, extracurricular activity fees, and more. If a parent fails to comply with an Illinois child support order, the Illinois Department for Child Support Services has the authority to take enforcement actions. One such action is suspending the non-complying parent's driver's license.

Child Support Enforcement in Illinois

Child support is ultimately for the child. Illinois lawmakers believe that a child should receive financial support from both of their parents even if their parents are not married or have gotten divorced. Parents who fail to make their child support payments in full and on time can face various consequences.

Continue Reading ››