When people in blended families start asking what rights a stepparent has over their step children, one question often comes up: is a step parent a legal guardian? The answer is clear - no, they are not automatically granted the legal status of a guardian when they get married. Only a child's parent or a custodial parent has legal authority over the child. Without legal … [Read more...] about Is a Step Parent a Legal Guardian?
Can a Stepparent Really Get Custody After a Divorce?
As blended families become more common, it comes as no surprise that stepparents develop strong bonds with their stepkids. But when those relationships get tested by divorce or separation, can a stepparent get custody? The short answer is "it depends" and the even shorter answer is "no" (which may be the most likely answer) but getting to "yes" is not impossible - the whole … [Read more...] about Can a Stepparent Really Get Custody After a Divorce?
Establishing Healthy Co-Parenting Boundaries While in a New Relationship
Co parenting after a breakup can be a bumpy ride - one that demands a lot from both parents. You need to be flexible, understanding, and willing to communicate. It’s a bit like trying to navigate a new dance - where you have to manage your emotions and put your child’s needs first. But what happens when a new partner comes along? The music changes, and so do the steps. Suddenly … [Read more...] about Establishing Healthy Co-Parenting Boundaries While in a New Relationship
The Illinois Custody Evaluation Process
Child custody evaluations can be overwhelming for parents. Having your fitness as a parent and your relationship with your child evaluated by a stranger and then reported to the court is something no parent has likely ever imagined having to go through. Guidance from an experienced custody attorney is a must as you go through any custody evaluation process connected to your … [Read more...] about The Illinois Custody Evaluation Process
Dealing With a Vexatious Litigant in Family Court
A vexatious litigant uses litigation to harass another person, such as by habitually filing meritless lawsuits or false motions to intimidate or delay. Identifying abusers that cause abuse through the court system or vexation litigation can be difficult, but learning about the ways to legally deal with this sort of person will help you understand the necessary legal steps to … [Read more...] about Dealing With a Vexatious Litigant in Family Court
Is Emotional Abuse Domestic Violence?
Is emotional abuse considered domestic violence? Yes, emotional abuse is a form of domestic violence. It involves patterns of behavior that aim to influence, manipulate, and undermine the victim’s sense of self-worth and to engage in coercion to control of the victim. Emotional abuse is a form of domestic violence because physical violence is not necessary for domestic violence … [Read more...] about Is Emotional Abuse Domestic Violence?
Co-Parenting With a Narcissist: Survival Strategies
Co-parenting is hard enough. Co-parenting with a narcissist is even harder. With the right strategies used and with the right support in place, learning how to "co-parent" with a narcissist can help keep your child’s emotional health intact. https://youtu.be/bH5SSPS5j9M?si=kYxKuU6wWkhOJ4yS Quick Answers Gain insight into Narcissistic Personality Disorder to better … [Read more...] about Co-Parenting With a Narcissist: Survival Strategies
Is January Divorce Month?
Is January really the month of broken hearts and shattered dreams? Does the start of a new year spell the end for many marriages? The idea of “Divorce Month” has been a topic of discussion for years, with January often painted as a time when marriages are more likely to end in divorce. We will explore the factors that contribute to the divorce month phenomenon, examine the … [Read more...] about Is January Divorce Month?
Complete Guide to Second Parent Adoption
For non-biological parents in LGBTQ+ families, second parent adoption, also known as co-parent adoption or confirmatory adoption, is a legal process that helps protect parental rights regardless of what state the family may live in or travel to in the future, especially if laws that have been passed previously to protect LGBTQ+ families are challenged or repealed. This guide … [Read more...] about Complete Guide to Second Parent Adoption
How to Get an Order of Protection Dismissed
Have you ever had an order of protection placed against you and felt it was unjust or unnecessary? Perhaps you’re struggling to navigate the complex legal system and understand the steps required for dismissal. Rest assured, you’re not alone. Many individuals face the daunting task of attempting to dismiss an order of protection, often with little knowledge of the legal process … [Read more...] about How to Get an Order of Protection Dismissed
