Child support enforcement comes in a variety of forms. The most serious form of child support enforcement usually comes from the Judge in child support court. However, there are multiple tools for enforcement that are administratively applied. In other words, there are only two general sources of child support enforcement: enforcement through the Courts and enforcement through … [Read more...] about Child Support Enforcement
What is No-Fault Divorce?
No-fault divorce is how lawyers refer to a divorce without "legal grounds." States that do not have no-fault divorce require that "grounds" or a specific legal basis be proven as to why a divorce should be allowed and granted. Most states in the United States previously had divorce laws on the books that required either or both parties to present evidence to prove the existence … [Read more...] about What is No-Fault Divorce?
Illinois State Disbursement Unit – Navigating the SDU as a Parent
The Illinois State Disbursement Unit (ILSDU or SDU) plays a vital role in ensuring that child support payments are managed and distributed efficiently and effectively, thus benefiting thousands of children across the State of Illinois. The ILSDU serves as a centralized hub for the collection and distribution of child support payments through modern technology. This article … [Read more...] about Illinois State Disbursement Unit – Navigating the SDU as a Parent
Right of First Refusal in Illinois Custody Cases
In your parenting plan or child custody agreement, the well-being of the child should always be the top priority. Many Illinois Courts operate on the assumption that a time between a child and parent is generally preferred over time between a child and non-parent. One tool used to address this concern is the "Right of First Refusal." This legal concept plays a crucial role when … [Read more...] about Right of First Refusal in Illinois Custody Cases
Is Illinois a Community Property State?
The division of assets during a divorce is a critical aspect of family law, and it often leads to questions about the marital property laws that govern the legal process for people going through a divorce. The phrase "community property" has a variety of different meanings, both in terms of the legal definitions and in colloquial use. Some states in the U.S. apply community … [Read more...] about Is Illinois a Community Property State?
What is the best holiday visitation schedule?
The holiday visitation schedule for your children is probably on your mind a lot as we approach Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day this year. Your custody holiday schedule is hopefully already outlined in your Illinois parenting plan so that your family can celebrate Christmas without the stress of thinking about your child custody case. How do … [Read more...] about What is the best holiday visitation schedule?
How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer
Set Your Goals and Priorities By far the most important step in choosing the right attorney for you happens before you even start making phone calls to schedule consultations. You need to determine your goals and list the priorities in your divorce. While parenting time with your children may be an obvious top priority, what about division of assets? Division of debts? … [Read more...] about How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer
Can you lose your license for unpaid child support?
There are several ways to try to enforce your child support, such as Income Withholding Orders to have child support automatically deducted from a payroll check, Contempt of Court for child support including jail time, and the suspension of licenses is another mechanism of enforcement of child support. Every state has a child support enforcement department, which … [Read more...] about Can you lose your license for unpaid child support?
Giving Thanks for Your Holiday Parenting Time Schedule
Visitation with Your Kids at Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is one of the most special days of the year with your children. If you are divorced or otherwise living separately from your child's other parent, Thanksgiving can be a source of stress when coordinating holiday parenting time. A formal Illinois or Wisconsin Parenting Plan can help ease this stress … [Read more...] about Giving Thanks for Your Holiday Parenting Time Schedule
Handling Halloween Visitation
How is Halloween addressed in your Parenting Plan? Your parenting plan should address the holidays that are important to you, and for many people that includes Halloween. It may not be at the top of your list like Christmas or Mother's Day or Father's Day, but Halloween is a holiday that feels like it is limited - your kids are only young once. Most parents want to spend as … [Read more...] about Handling Halloween Visitation
