The cost of raising a child in Illinois can be fairly high. Managing those costs after divorce can be particularly difficult, which is why child support is so important. However, what child support covers is not always clear, and confusion over how it is supposed to be used can lead…
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As a dad, you just want what is best for your child -- especially now that you are going through a divorce. Your child custody agreement is the most important place to make sure that the best interests of your child are respected and upheld. But while you might feel…
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Making sure that kids have everything they need is an essential part of being a parent, but things can get complicated after divorce. Maybe you are facing the adjustment of becoming a single income household or have to find a way to reenter the workforce. Illinois child support laws make…
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Providing children with financial security and stability is important, and most Illinois parents do their best to do just that. For divorced parents, part of creating a financially stable life is by either paying or receiving child support. But what happens when one parent is no longer able to make…
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Parents just want what is best for their kids, and that does not stop because of divorce. In fact, you might be even more focused on your child's best interests now. But what exactly are Illinois courts talking about when they say "best interests of the child?" While this can…
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Life as a parent is rarely easy, and things like divorce, new jobs and moving can make things infinitely more complicated. Fathers who accept new positions or jobs that take them several hours away, or even across state lines, may wrestle with how to balance their parenting responsibilities over bigger…
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Societal expectations for unmarried dads in Illinois are sadly not very high, which may influence how successful they are at securing time with their children. But regardless of marital status, men who were never married to their children's mothers can still seek visitation and even child custody. However, this means…
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During divorce, parents must think of both their own needs as well as those of their children. Each family will have their own unique needs, but there is usually one common thread that generally weaves through everything -- that children have two loving, involved parents. Child custody agreements might more…
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Raising a child is expensive, and divorce certainly does not make it any cheaper. Child support is one way to make sure that both parents keep providing important financial stability regardless of what else is going on in life. Here is how Illinois family law deals with child support.Both parents'…
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Societal expectations have changed quite a bit over a relatively short period of time, especially when it comes to family and parenting. Fathers in Illinois now play much larger roles in their children's lives than their own fathers did. This shift has also nudged more and more families toward joint…
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As a dad, you have a meaningful and irreplaceable relationship with your child. Divorce should not sever any aspect of that relationship. If you feel like losing your connection to your child is the inevitable result of ending your marriage, you might still be under the impression that Illinois family…
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Being a father is more than just something you do in between your other obligations -- it is the most important role you will ever play in life. But now that you are getting a divorce, you might not be sure how fatherhood will look going forward. Many dads in…
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Deciding on child custody can be an emotional time for parents going through a divorce in Illinois. While joint custody is often the best arrangement for everyone, sometimes it is harder for fathers to receive equal time as the mothers. Fathers who want to win joint, or even sole, custody…
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Divorce can put in a wrench in a lot of areas of a couple's life, particularly in their ability to continue parenting their children without allowing the stress of their relationship to take over. For divorced fathers in Illinois, particularly those who are the non-custodial parent in their relationship, this…
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The process of getting a divorce in Illinois often includes dealing with strong and complex emotions: fear, sadness, relief and confusion. While you may start to feel better as soon as you sign the papers, you may instead find it more difficult to move on with your life. You may…
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If there is some doubt regarding the paternity of your child, you have likely spent a lot of time considering your options. Whether you are the father or the mother of the child, you may wish to prove who the biological father is once and for all. Unfortunately, DNA tests…
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If your wife comes to you with the news that she is pregnant with your child, you may feel excited, nervous or surprised. But what should you do if you find out later that you are not the true father of the child? You may learn that the mother committed…
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father's job was to provide an income for the household and the mother's role was to take care of the household. There are still many families that embrace this traditional family setup, but there are more women in the workforce now than there has even been. In addition to this,…
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If you are an unmarried father in Illinois, you may need to go through several legal steps to ensure you have the rights and resources to build a relationship with your child. One possible way to solidify your rights is to sign a Voluntary Acknowledge of Parentage form. Once you…
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Custody disputes can be challenging for anyone, but some parents have an especially difficult time when it comes to preparing for this crucial family law issue. The outcome of a custody dispute can be one of the most significant aspects of a divorce, and the court's decision could have a…
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Parents often have many considerations when it comes to divorce and their children, from child support payments they will need to make (or expect to receive) and discussing these issues with young kids. However, custody can be an especially challenging issue for many parents for various reasons. For some parents,…
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After a divorce, your children will need you more than ever. That's why it's so important to take a look at your skills as a father to determine whether there are any areas in need of improvement. Here is some advice in this case, which allows you to forge a…
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When unwed couples in Illinois have children, there is no presumption regarding their kids' parentage as there is for married couples or those who are in civil unions. While the fatherly relationship men in such situations share with their children may be the same as married dads' relationships with their…
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In recent years, video games have become increasingly popular among people of various age groups. For some couples, especially younger married couples, video game addiction has become an increasingly concerning issue. Whether someone is addicted to a game they play on a console, smartphone or computer, these addictions can be…
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Often, when people think about child abduction, they may envision a stranger driving by and grabbing a child. However, children may also be abducted by their parents, and this is especially likely during a custody dispute (or after custody has been awarded). For example, a parent may take the child…
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We have written about some of the reasons why some fathers are falsely accused of domestic violence. In this post, we will take a closer look at the consequences of these allegations, regardless of whether or not they are true. Those who have been accused of domestic violence may face…
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If you are a divorced dad in Illinois, and your ex got primary custody, you may be struggling with how to stay involved and relevant in your child's life. Even though things are different, there are things you can do to make a better connection with your child, even when…
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Even though divorced Illinois fathers can leave their children an inheritance, it is natural to be concerned that a former spouse might try to lay claim to a portion of the inheritance, perhaps when the estate of a father goes through probate following his death. However, there are other options…
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Often, when people think about child custody, they envision a heated dispute or disagreement over how custody will be split between parents. Or, they may envision a parent who is devastated to find out that they will not be able to share custody with their child's other parent, significantly impacting…
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For some parents, the decision to move forward with a divorce is put on hold until their child reaches the age of 18 and leaves for college. Parents may decide to push off their divorce until their kids have left the house for many different reasons. For example, they may…
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There are many factors that can make bringing marriage to an end so tough, but family law issues which involve your kids are often particularly difficult. Not only can these matters be an emotional rollercoaster, but there is so much at stake, including your child's future. Moreover, family law issues…
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Many facets of family law can be difficult to work through, but there are times when these legal matters (from custody to child support and property division) can be especially complicated. For example, someone who is dealing with a former marital partner that has become unreasonable may have a harder…
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Family law issues can create many different hardships for people, and some people have an especially difficult time dealing with legal issues related to their former spouse or children. For example, suicide may affect an individual from a family law perspective, and it is important to be aware of the…
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As a single father in Illinois, the holidays may be a lonely time for you. It can be hard to adjust to a divorce, especially when you're separated from your kids for the first time in a long time. In this case, there are steps you can take to deal…
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For fathers, there are many different family law challenges that can surface. As if the divorce process is not difficult enough, both in terms of its emotional toll and the financial consequences, many fathers have been unable to spend much time with their children afterward. Moreover, some have faced immense…
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Our law office knows how difficult daily life can be for some non-custodial parents. Making child support payments can be tough, if not impossible altogether. Unfortunately, the consequences that come with failing to make these payments can make a parent's life even more challenging. Some people have found themselves in…
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There are many different considerations when it comes to fathers' rights, from child support issues to custody and visitation. Unfortunately, some fathers feel as if they are voiceless and they do not stand up for their rights because they believe that their child's other parent will have the upper hand…
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Our law office realizes that a father may have to work through many challenges both during and after the divorce process. Unfortunately, some people can have an especially difficult time during this process because their former spouse wants to make things as hard as possible. Some may deal with false…
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Any father may have a difficult time while ending their marriage, especially when it comes to child custody. With that said, custody can be particularly difficult for some parents to handle, such as those who have special needs children. If you are a parent of a special needs child, you…
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Divorce can bring many different questions and challenges, whether they involve finances (alimony, child support, etc.) or stress over going to court. However, divorce matters which involve children can be particularly tough, especially when it comes to child custody. Moreover, this may be especially true for some parents who have…
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If you've recently gone through a divorce in Illinois, the process has most likely been tough on your kids. That's why it's crucial for you to be the best father possible after a divorce, which will allow you to form a strong, loving bond with your child just when they…
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We have covered a myriad of fathers' rights issues but in this post, we will look into threats over custody and child support, a problem that many fathers have had to deal with. Family law matters which involve children and finances can be very hard for both parties, especially from…
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If you are a father and are preparing for the process of divorce, you may have many questions on your mind and you could be worried about the outcome of your divorce. Or, perhaps you have already been through a divorce but you are worried about other family law matters,…
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If you have recently split up with your spouse, or divorce is around the corner, you could be going through a variety of difficulties related to family law. For example, you may be facing financial challenges due to spousal support payments or a child support order. However, family law issues…
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Domestic violence is a very serious matter and we have covered a number of issues related to this topic on our blog. At [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"], we know that family violence is a tough topic for some families in Peoria and all around Illinois. Aside from those who are subjected to abuse,…
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When it comes to family law, there are all sorts of potentially complicated legal matters that can arise. However, those involving a couple's children can be particularly sensitive, especially when it comes to child custody. Moreover, disagreements involving child custody can arise long after custody has been awarded. For example,…
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At any time of year, it can be hard for a parent to work through a dispute over child custody. Certain occasions, such as the time when kids return to school, can be especially hard for parents. If you are simultaneously trying to deal with responsibilities related to a dispute…
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There are many different fathers' rights issues that people struggle with during their divorce and after they have split up with their spouse, from a custody dispute to problems involving child support payments. Divorce can be challenging for many different reasons and for some people, there are unique considerations related…
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In recent years, many people have focused on domestic violence, an issue that creates challenges for families in Illinois and across the U.S. In some instances, abusive people are held accountable for their actions, while other cases may involve someone being falsely accused of family violence. Moreover, certain details may…
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Paying child support can be difficult at times and our law office is well aware of the challenges many non-custodial parents face. From managing payments to a health crisis that was unexpected, making these payments on time can be hard. However, there are times when parents face unexpected challenges and…
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There are many legal issues that people deal with following a divorce, but child support can be especially challenging. Not only can child support impact a parent required to make payments, but it can also pose challenges for someone who is supposed to receive payments as well. Moreover, there are…
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Ending one's marriage can be incredibly overwhelming from an emotional standpoint and financially as well. People may become very stressed out due to concerns about how child custody will be awarded, marital property will be divided or how much alimony will need to be paid. Sometimes, people carry out certain…
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As a father, you may be worried about losing a custody battle or even being unable to spend time with your child altogether. Each person's situation has a number of unique details, but it is important to keep in mind that there are many different factors which influence custody decisions.…
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For a non-custodial parent, there may be many challenges to face, such as emotional pain over the outcome of a custody dispute or difficulty communicating with a child's other parent. However, child support payments can be especially challenging for some non-custodial parents, particularly from an emotional standpoint. For example, stress…
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Non-custodial parents may struggle with paying their child support due to any number of reasons, whether they are suffering due to a medical condition or are out of work. However, there are unique situations which can make it especially difficult to pay child support, such as long-term travel. If you…
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When it comes to child custody cases, parents may face a variety of challenges. Some people who are approaching a custody dispute may be unsure of the relevant laws or their rights, while others may have difficulty understanding their options. This can be an incredibly difficult time and, unfortunately, some…
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Moving through the process of divorce can be incredibly tough and all sorts of problems may arise, from concerns about your financial future to stress over the way in which custody will be awarded. However, there are additional stressors that some people encounter when they bring their marriage to an…
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When married couples decide that the time to bring their marriage to an end has come, all sorts of difficulties may arise, and this is particularly true for those who have kids together. Parents may have to work through various family law matters, such as child support, but determining child…
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Parents may find themselves in a position where staying current on child support is no longer possible. From a health problem that suddenly appeared to the loss of a job, various challenges can leave a non-custodial parent with serious financial problems. For those who are unable to pay child support,…
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Unmarried couples who have a child together in Illinois must establish paternity in order for the father's name to be listed on the birth certificate. There are numerous benefits for both the child and the father once paternity is ascertained, and it is an easy process as long as both…
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As a non-custodial parent, all sorts of challenges may be on your plate. Family law issues of all kinds can be difficult to work through, but those involving a child are often especially tough. In addition to the emotional aspects of family law matters involving children, financial matters may arise…
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Family law disputes may involve a wide variety of legal issues, such as those brought on by disagreements over a child custody arrangement, discontent regarding the division of marital property, or even bitterness about one's decision to end the marriage. Unfortunately, these disputes can be quite tough for some couples…
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There are many decisions that need to be made by divorcing parents in Illinois. One of the biggest ones is how custody is determined and if one parent gets primary custody or if it is shared equally. In many of the cases, the mom is considered the primary caregiver and,…
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When it comes to child custody, visitation, and other facets of fathers' rights, there are many issues to consider. For some, untrue domestic violence allegations are extremely problematic and can interfere with their ability to see their children. Moreover, these charges can affect a father's life in many other ways,…
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Whether you are just approaching the process of divorce or have already split up with your spouse, holidays can be tough, especially if you have kids. Moreover, custody disputes and a parent's pursuit of visitation rights can be very emotional for children and both parents. With Halloween and other holidays,…
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Establishing paternity in the state of Illinois is beneficial for both the child and the father. Naming the legal father results in fewer battles or confusion over situations related to finances, health benefits and custody decisions. According to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, some of the benefits to…
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From child support to alimony and the division of marital property, there are many fathers' rights issues that people deal with across the country. However, those involving custody and visitation can be particularly emotional for fathers in Peoria and other Illinois cities. Moreover, these issues can have a significant impact…
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Whether you cannot pay your child support and want to modify your child support order or you have stress related to the distribution of marital property, family law issues can be incredibly challenging. However, if you are a father who is worried about the outcome of a child custody dispute,…
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Parents who have fallen behind on their child support payments could face numerous consequences, such as the threat of arrest, garnishment of their wages, or the interception of their tax refunds. However, it is vital for non-custodial parents who are in this position to recognize some of the other potential…
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From child support payments to custody disputes, fathers who have split up with their child's other parent may encounter various challenges. Our law firm knows how tough these matters can be for fathers in Peoria and across all parts of Illinois. Unfortunately, some men have been named as the father of…
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From time behind bars to fines and a damaged reputation, you may be aware of some of the different repercussions associated with missing child support payments. In Peoria and other parts of Illinois, some fathers may go through these hardships because they could no longer pay child support after the…
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If you recently split up with your partner, you may be going through different challenges. However, if you had children together, moving forward can be even more complicated. In Peoria, and across all of Illinois, it is essential for fathers who are in this position to do what's best for…
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As a non-custodial parent, you may have different concerns, such as struggling to pay alimony or spend time with your child. However, child support can be particularly difficult for some people who are going through financial complications in Peoria, and elsewhere in Illinois. Falling behind on your child support payments…
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If you are obligated to pay child support, you may have difficulty making your payments for numerous reasons. For example, you might be trying to recover from a medical issue that you never saw coming or you could have lost your job. In Peoria, and other Illinois cities, failing to…
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When parents decide to terminate their marriage, there are a host of issues that must be negotiated in the divorce settlement. Parents must determine whether sole or joint custody is best for the child, and create a parenting plan that works in the best interests of the child. In families…
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When it comes to child custody, there are many factors to take into consideration. For example, a parent who is preparing for court or already going through a bitter custody dispute should understand which factors the court will examine when determining which outcome is in the best interests of the…
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Even though a couple in Illinois is having a child together, they may still discover that they cannot make their relationship work. A new dad may feel like he will be at a disadvantage when it comes to developing a visitation schedule. However, studies show that he needs to have…
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Many ex-partners in Illinois are required to pay child support, even though doing so may interfere with their ability to manage their own living expenses. These payments are to ensure that their kids can receive the same standard of living that is possible if they lived at home with both…
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While you were married, you may not have been able to spend as much time with your children as you would have liked. Work may have claimed much of your time, and now divorce has made being with the kids even more challenging. Although it takes time for everyone involved…
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Divorces bring about challenges to parenthood that many fathers in Peoria do not anticipate. Even though their families are no longer living under one roof, fathers can still play a major and positive role in their children’s lives. Co-parenting is not always easy, but there are things that fathers can…
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If you are getting a divorce in Illinois and you have children, you are going to spend time figuring out custody. While it is now referred to as parental responsibilities, custody is still determining who has what rights involving your children. At Butler, Giraudo & Meister, we are aware that…
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When it comes to reproductive rights, the father's rights are largely ignored. Reproductive rights are seen almost only as a female's right, especially in the matters of abortion, adoption and procreation. Male rights are patently ignored in these regards, and no laws exist to date in protecting a father's right…
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If you're locked in a child custody battle, one of the requirements the judge may ask for is a DNA test to determine the child's biological parentage. In case such a demand is made, you will need to supply a DNA sample for testing. You will be provided with a…
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For a father, maintaining a relationship with his child after the divorce can be difficult. The younger the child, the more weight is given to the mother's role in the child's development. Things are even more difficult for unmarried fathers, who have few parental rights. In the past, it used…
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One of the biggest post-divorce questions is which spouse gets custody of the children. Here are some of the factors that are considered by the court while making the decision: The Child's Age While traditionally, younger children were believed to thrive more under the care of their mothers, many recent…
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It is never a pleasant experience for a child to have to witness his or her parents getting divorced. As the father, handling your child's questions and emotions poorly at such a time can result in long-lasting damage to their psyche, while also causing great harm to your relationship. Here are some…
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The rights of the mother concerning an unborn child usually out-weigh those of the father if there is disagreement between them. In these cases, the mother retains most of the decision-making power in terms of adoption, medical, health care and other decisions. In order to gain constitutionally protected paternal rights,…
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Whether you are an adoptive parent or a biological parent, once you have established paternity, you have certain rights over how your child should be raised. With the divorce rate spiking each year, and the high number of unwed parents, father's rights have been getting a lot of attention. As…
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Shared child custody is the subject of many discussions nationwide, including in Illinois. Some believe that the frequent back-and-forth traveling between parents in joint parenting arrangements cause disruption, anxiety and insecurities in children. Others are of the opinion that children of divorces benefit in various ways from having equal access…
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Susan B. Anthony was a woman of passion, politics and rights. In the 1860s she became a leader for women's suffrage in the United States. Among her initiatives was a newspaper that carried the masthead, "Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less;" the message being…
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Here in Illinois, our state legislature tries to keep up with the times, making changes to laws to better reflect current trends and situations. Take for example changes to the area of family law, which have given Illinoisians options to marry a spouse of the same sex and access to…
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There is nothing really easy about divorce and child custody matters. Even in cases where the divorce is amicable and the kids are handling the situation well, the truth is that a family is breaking up. The new configuration may be better for everyone involved, but such a fundamental life…
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Want to make life a little better? Some with wisdom will tell you that one thing you can do is to always assume positive intent. Those who make that their practice say it makes it easier to face any given moment calmly, collectedly and rationally.Assuming positive intent is something that…
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All too often, while going through a divorce in Illinois, fathers approach child custody from the mindset that it does not really matter what they say or do, as the mother is just going to be awarded custody. Instead of fighting for equal parenting rights, many fathers just mentally prepare…
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