Archives for Child Custody and Child Support

Who Represents Children in Custody Matters?

The differences between GAL, Child Representative and Attorney for the Child By Gretchen V. Schrader In order to protect your children’s best interests in a divorce or parentage case, the judge may choose to appoint an attorney to represent your children. The judge may do this of his or her own volition, or one of the parents might request it. This usually happens if the parents are struggling to reach an agreement regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities (specifically, parenting time and decision-making). The person being appointed is an attorney, but they can take on various roles. There are three
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Categories: Child Custody and Child Support.

Modifying Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (formerly known as Custody)

Many times after a case is finalized, one of the parties wishes to modify the parenting arrangement. “Allocation of Parental Responsibilities” is what was formerly known as “Custody” in Illinois. Learn more about modifying allocation of parental responsibilities.
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Categories: Child Custody and Child Support.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

In divorce and parentage cases, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (“APR”) describes what was formerly known as “custody” in Illinois. APR can be one of the most emotional and contentious components in family law cases. However, the goal is to create a parenting plan that’s in the best interests of the child(ren). APR addresses two main categories of child-related issues: decision-making responsibility and parenting time.
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Categories: Child Custody and Child Support.

Relocation

Relocation (formerly known as “removal”) means permanently moving with the minor child(ren) to a new location that is a certain distance from the child(ren)’s current primary residence. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to seek permission from the other parent and/or the Court before relocating with your child(ren). This article discusses when it’s necessary to take action before relocating, and outlines the required procedural steps.
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Categories: Child Custody and Child Support and Divorce and Separation.

Child Support in Illinois

The relevant statute in Illinois that governs child support is Section 505 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”). Learn more about how long child support lasts, how child support is calculated based on the payor’s net income, how child support can be paid, and the tax implications of child support.
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Categories: Child Custody and Child Support.

Section 513 – Contribution to College Expenses

Illinois is one of a minority of states that allows a parent, in a divorce or child support/parentage case, to seek a contribution to college expenses from the other parent for a child they share. Specifically, Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act covers this topic (750 ILCS 5/513). Read more.
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Categories: Child Custody and Child Support.