In an overwhelming majority of cases, divorces are handled in one long proceeding. However, there are rare circumstances in which a case may be settled in parts. Bifurcated judgments are handed down by a court when there are obstacles to a single judgment that may not be resolved in the time available. Illinois courts do consider them, but the stakes must be high.

In Illinois, a guardian is appointed for a variety of reasons and has the same responsibilities to a child as a child’s natural parent. Guardianship arises in certain scenarios, such as when: a child’s biological parents cannot care for the child; a child’s parents died in an unfortunate accident; a minor child is disabled and is unable to provide for his or her own well being; or when elderly persons can no longer take care of themselves.

While United States law is supreme within our borders, this does not preclude other systems of law from having an effect on how people raise their children and where those children may want to live in the event of divorce or the loss of a parent (or both). Legal systems such as those adopted by religions or ethnic groups still play an extremely important role in many lives, and in some cases, it is possible to integrate certain provisions into a determination of child custody.

When the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services knocks on your door, you should take the process seriously, whether or not you believe they have a right to take action against you or not.

Currently, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”) determines the factors the court considers when deciding the best interests of the child during child custody disputes. As the law stands today, the court issues physical and/or legal custody to a single parent or both parents. These categories are commonly referred to as joint or sole custody. Essentially, if the parents do not cooperate, one parent will be granted custody and the other will be granted visitation, creating a winner/loser scenario.

When the court determines that an adult is unable to care for himself/herself, or a child’s parents are unable to care for the child, the court will appoint a guardian. The court can appoint a guardian to have custody of the child or to manage the child’s property, or both.

The adoption law in Illinois focuses on facilitating new family relationships. When parents to decide to adopt a child, it creates a legal parent-child relationship, just as if the child was their biological offspring. The same outcome applies when a parent, or parents, adopt an adult. Commonly, adult adoptions formalize relationships that have endured for a long period of time. Many states across the United States, including Illinois, permit adult adoption, where two adults legally enter into a parent-child relationship.

Avoiding Marriage Issues Related to Money

The decision to adopt a child comes with many emotions—it is an exciting step for your family but it is also challenging. If you are looking to increase the size of your family through adoption, there may be issues that make the seemingly easy process very complicated. However, it is important to note, several avenues are available to you when making the decision to adopt a child.

Paternity refers to the relationship a child shares with his or her father. The process of establishing paternity in Illinois is fairly straight forward. However, sometimes, it can be more difficult than you can imagine. Establishing paternity is very important because it will impact decisions related to child custody, visitation and child support. 

Deciding to get divorced is a tough decision for any spouse. After all, it will directly affect the happiness and stability in your life. Once you clear the hurdle and decide to get divorced, tougher questions will arise, especially if you have children; your decisions will directly affect their lives. When you and your former spouse cannot reach an agreement when it comes to raising your child or children, your only option is turning your decision over to a judge, and let him or her decide who gets legal and physical custody.

In Illinois, and in several other states, child support is paid to the custodial parent. Child support is meant to cover the bare essentials, which include the cost of food, clothing and shelter. The amount of child support you are required to pay is based on your net income and the amount of children you have.