One aspect of the divorce case I take seriously is managing the request to the judge for a guardian ad litem in a contested parenting dispute. Sometimes, there are behavioral and psychological issues in a divorce with one of the parents, that can impact the ability of that parent to…
Articles Posted in Child Custody
Kane County Divorce: Why is the UCCJEA Important in Illinois Child Custody Issues?
I received a call today from a potential client in Illinois whose partner/spouse left the State of Illinois and set up life with the minor children in another state. As I look back on decades of my Family Law career, I have had a number of similar cases. Sometimes, when…
Kane County Divorce: Modifying a Child Custody (Allocation) Order
In Illinois, child custody (now called allocations of parenting time and decision making) can be modified through the courts if there is a substantial change in circumstances that warrants a modification. In general, the modification will be sought after two years has expired from the original judgment, but some cases…
Illinois Courts: New Parenting Coordinator Statute
Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court announced the adoption of new Rule 909 which establishes a statewide framework for courts to utilize “parenting coordinators” to resolve minor issues causing conflict in family law cases. The new Rule is effective immediately. New Rule 909 and the Illinois…
Illinois Divorce: Emotional Impact of Divorce on Children
Why the First Year Is the Toughest By Amy Morin, LCSW As you might expect, research has found that kids struggle the most during the first year or two after the divorce. Kids are likely to experience distress, anger, anxiety, and disbelief. But many kids seem to bounce back. They get…
Illinois Divorce: A Checklist for Parents to be Supportive of their Kids
For parents anticipating a divorce and child custody (allocation) issues, it’s always useful to go over some checklists, both financial and child-related, to ensure that the needs of the parties and families are met as best as is possible during the pendency of the case. Once a divorce or separation…
Illinois Divorce Lawyer: What is a Guardian ad Litem?
Most of the cases that we manage at Law Offices of Michael F Roe are complex cases, sometimes involving serious issues with child custody, and often a HCP (High Conflict Personality/Parent). Within these divorce or parentage cases the courts in Illinois follow a pattern of addressing the issues of the…
Illinois Divorce: “BLOWBACK FOR DIVORCE POISON” article by Dr. Warshak
Dr. Richard A. Warshak BLOWBACK FOR DIVORCE POISON! MOTHER JAILED, ORDERED TO PAY $84K, AND STRIPPED OF CUSTODY Spain is a wonderful place to visit. World-class museums, unique architecture, distinctive cuisine. Welcoming to tourists. But not so hospitable to parents who lodge false abuse accusations to win custody. In…
Being in a relationship with a High Conflict Person (HCP)
Being in a relationship with a High Conflict Person (HCP) or a toxic person can be debilitating. Many adults with children will hold off on seeking help from the courts, or seeking a separation from the HCP in order to preserve the status quo for their children. But, as many…
Illinois Divorce Lawyer: New Laws that affect Family Law Cases
Below is a synopsis of two new bills signed into law that affect Family Law practice. HB4121 sets a minimum standard for GALs in terms of their obligation to interview the parents and the children. Now, most of us would agree that a period of 90 days is too long,…