DuPage County Divorce Attorney | Bloomingdale Family Law Lawyers

3 Issues Every Illinois Parenting Plan Should Address

Posted on November 12, 2019 in Family Law

As you begin to navigate the divorce process, the tasks you must face can seem daunting. It is natural to feel overwhelmed by what likely seems to be a never-ending to-do list, but the upside to this challenge is that the more organized you are, the more you improve your chances of experiencing a smoother, less stressful divorce from start to finish. If you and your spouse share children, topics such as the allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody) and parenting time (visitation) can be especially taxing as you organize the next chapter of your lives, as these topics tend to be highly emotional for both parties. However, a thorough parenting plan will help better facilitate your post-divorce parenting arrangements and ultimately support your child’s best interests.

The Minimum Requirements for Your Parenting Plan

A parenting plan in the state of Illinois is, in essence, an outline of each parent’s responsibilities included in your divorce decree. It acts as a rulebook with clear guidelines for both parents, so each party knows what is expected of them moving forward. To ensure your arrangements are as efficient as possible and serve to protect the well-being of your children after the separation, it is important that your plan covers all the basics. Your attorney will assist in negotiating the terms and can help direct and advise you in the revision of any details or areas that need to be addressed, but every parenting plan should at least touch on the following three issues:

...

3 Signs Your Illinois Divorce Case May Benefit from Mediation

Posted on October 25, 2019 in Family Law

The moment the divorce process is set into motion, separating spouses are inundated with challenges and are forced to address a number of different conflicts. Whether the decision to end your marriage was mutual or rife with tension, a variety of issues can arise, requiring both parties to work together to find solutions. Discussions about everything from the division of assets and spousal maintenance to child support are all topics that can quickly turn an amicable split into a contentious one. While not every divorce involves heated debates and bitter court battles, even couples whose interactions are civil and respectful may run into roadblocks as they navigate the divorce process. However, there are alternative dispute resolution methods that achieve the same goal of legally ending a marriage.

How to Know When it Is Time to Consider Mediation

Divorce mediation is a path that allows both parties to work with a neutral third party who is specifically trained to handle conflict resolution. A mediator is equipped to address concerns over legal matters while working with a couple to find a solution that meets the needs of each party. How do you know when you are in over your head with the divorce process? At would point should couples seek out mediation to resolve ongoing conflicts? Experts suggest there are multiple indicators that signal your need for help from a third party. Here are some signs that your divorce case may benefit from some support to help move things in the right direction:

...

3 Ways to Encourage a Peaceful Divorce in Illinois

Posted on October 17, 2019 in Family Law

For many spouses, the thought of a peaceful divorce is a definite oxymoron. With so many factors contributing to the conflicts that often plague the divorce process, it may seem almost impossible to imagine a marriage ending on friendly terms. Sensitive issues such as the division of debts, spousal support, and parenting time have the power to amplify emotions and create overwhelming tension in the midst of a separation. Working through these issues can be extremely challenging and painful, especially when interactions between parties are hostile. However, psychology experts tell us that a peaceful divorce is not a myth. Despite the fact that every divorce involves some level of loss, sadness, and hurt, it is possible to make it through the experience tranquilly and civilly.

How to Keep the Peace

Here are some suggestions for a smoother divorce experience:

...

4 Ways Every Parent Can Reduce Divorce Stress for their Children

Posted on October 11, 2019 in Family Law

The emotional upheaval brought on by divorce in the family can be exhausting and intense. It can take a significant amount of time for everyone to process the event, regardless of how amicable the decision to separate may have been. The end of a marriage is particularly difficult for any children involved, as they are suddenly confronted with not only the reality that their family is changing, but also the realization that they must accept and adjust to new routines and essentially a different way of life. The result of such a big transition is a lot for children of any age, and emotional distress is both natural and inevitable. Just as adults process loss in their own way and in their own time, so too do children of divorce.

Providing Emotional Support for Your Children

It is common for parents in the midst of divorce proceedings to struggle to find the energy to extend to their child, who also needs comfort and support during such a trying time. Practicing basic self-care during the transition is critical, so you are able to recharge and be emotionally available for them. However, even under strained circumstances, there are many strategies and attitudes you can adopt that can help lighten your child’s burden, make them feel safe and loved, and maybe even lift their spirits. Here are four ways every parent can reduce the stress of divorce for their child:

...

Relocating After Divorce: Three Factors Every Parent Should Consider

Posted on October 3, 2019 in Family Law

Even in the midst of a divorce, when big changes are already in motion in a household, other circumstances can arise that create an even greater divide between a parent and a child. Sometimes new developments at work or with extended family surface, placing a parent in a position where he or she must decide whether or not to relocate in the wake of a divorce. In other situations, one parent simply wishes to retaliate or distance him or herself--and the child the couple shares--from the other, with hopes of starting over after the separation. Whatever the reason for a potential relocation, there are certain laws in place to govern each parent’s rights when it comes to moving after a divorce. Parents cannot simply take off and uproot their child in the process without proper court authorization and approval from the other parent. These restrictions exist for a number of reasons, one of the most important being the protection of the child’s best interests.

The Impact of Relocating After Divorce

If you or your ex-spouse must move due to a job transfer or other circumstances, it is important to weigh some of the potential consequences of relocating after your divorce, such as the following:

...