An AI “Girlfriend” Is Still a GirlfriendBy Jennifer Cunningham BeelerFamily Law, June 2026While AI has become an increasingly prominent topic as it relates to the practice of law, AI is seeping into family law in a unique way with the introduction of AI girlfriends and potential dissipation claims. AI girlfriend platforms are replacing the Match.com and Bumble monthly subscriptions for seeking romance outside of the marriage.
Competing Interests: The Interplay Between Mental Health Protections and the Best Interest FactorsBy John C. WroblewskiFamily Law, June 2026The Illinois Legislature adopted the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act in 1979 to protect the confidentiality of mental health treatment records and communications.The Illinois Supreme Court acknowledged the importance of confidential mental health treatment in the case of D.C. v. S.A., and family law attorneys and child advocates should be familiar with the Act, particularly when it comes to examining best-interest factors for child-related issues under the IMDMA.
The Impact of In Re Marriage of Tronsrue on the Equitable Division of Certain Federal Pensions and PaymentsBy Judge Arnold F. Blockman, (ret.)Family Law, June 2026There are certain federal pension and other payments that by federal statute and federal law are not divisible by state courts in family law proceedings, including military disability retirement payments, V.A. disability pensions, social security benefits, certain railroad retirement benefits, and other payments. However, the Illinois Supreme Court analyzes this issue in In re Marriage of Tronsrue, 2025 IL 130596.
Motion to Adjourn…PermanentlyBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, June 2026Closing remarks from the outgoing Chair of the Family Law Section Council for the 2025-2026 bar year.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, May 2026Learn more about the new incoming Chair of the Family Law Section Council, Matthew Benson!
Changes Are A-Coming: SB3524 Child Support ChangesBy Nancy Chausow ShaferFamily Law, May 2026Child support disputes have often been dominated by "the Cliff," or the change in child support if the parenting time of each parent is at least 146 overnights. SB3524 would alter the current child support landscape, by providing additional adjustments for 110 to 146 overnights.
Federal Student Aid Changes Effective January 1, 2026: Consequences for Family Law ClientsBy Rebecca Berlin MelzerFamily Law, May 2026The One Big Beautiful Bill Act's changes to federal student borrowing may have significant impacts on clients relating to contribution to secondary educational expenses under section 513 of the IMDMA. Without additional federal borrowing, true out-of-pocket costs to families are increasing. It is imperative that clients understand the changes, to be able to make more informed decisions on the selection of school based on the child’s and parents’ resources given the new borrowing limits.
The Illinois Supreme Court Wants Parents to Resolve Parenting DisputesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Rural Practice, May 2026Mediation is a requirement when parents are involved in a parenting allocation dispute. The sooner that you explain this requirement to clients, as well as the benefits of mediation, the less clients will feel defeated or caught off guard when a court inevitably orders the parties in a parental allocation matter to mediation.
Emergency Parental Responsibility RemediesBy Dana JakuszFamily Law, April 2026An exploration of the relationship between the IMDMA and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, focusing on how each statute can be utilized to restrict parental responsibilities. A divergence between the two acts arises when considering the permanency of restrictions under each act.
The Illinois Supreme Court Wants Parents To Resolve Parenting DisputesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Family Law, April 2026Mediation is a requirement when parents are involved in a parenting allocation dispute. The sooner that you explain this requirement to clients, as well as the benefits of mediation, the less clients will feel defeated or caught off guard when a court inevitably orders the parties in a parental allocation matter to mediation.
Preparing Your Clients for Court Ordered Mediation and Interviews With the Guardian ad LitemBy Laura MiroballiFamily Law, April 2026Be sure to educate your clients about the purpose, role, and scope of Guardian ad Litems and mediators. Not only does this allow your client to feel more secure and educated going into the initial meeting, but the sessions can be more productive if the Guardian ad Litem or mediator does not have to waste time educating the client on the purpose of the meeting.
Chair’s ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, March 2026Budgeting before, during, and after divorce: a roadmap for you and your clients.
Illinois Court Jurisdiction in Allocation Cases: When Does It End?By Matthew A. KirshFamily Law, March 2026While not as obvious as you might think, it does seem that a court in the state of Illinois only has jurisdiction over a child for purposes of allocation issues until the child turns 18.
Illinois Family-Lawyers Ethical Obligation to Our Clients’ ChildrenBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Family Law, March 2026While Illinois attorneys may not have an explicit ethical duty to protect a client's child, ethical rules governing an attorney's behavior establish responsibilities to promote, safeguard, and avoid harm to children involved in family law matters.
Restriction of Parental ResponsibilitiesBy Judge Maureen SchuetteFamily Law, March 2026An overview of the statutes, legal standards, and necessary language to include in orders to restrict parental responsibilities from the perspective of a sitting judge.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, February 2026A note from the Chair of the ISBA Family Law Section Council.
GAL Lists Across CircuitsBy Amy SchellekensFamily Law, February 2026Even though the Illinois Supreme Court has a rule that specifically governs GAL qualifications, many circuits throughout the State of Illinois have adopted their own rules regarding GAL appointments. The differences between each circuit may pose difficulties in enacting the reciprocity requirement of Supreme Court Rule 906.
Putting the Cart Before the Divorce: Pre-Decree Relocation Under 750 ILCS 5/603.5 and 5/609By John P.M. PeskindFamily Law, February 2026The relocation statute presumes that an Allocation Judgment has already been entered in a matter; however, family law practitioners know that seeking relocation during the pendency of a proceeding is sometimes necessary. If, after considering the potential impact of a relocation on the non-relocating parent, a court finds that a relocation would serve the children’s best interest—then the children should relocate. It is difficult to see why the pre- or post-decree status of the case should have any bearing on this analysis.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, January 2026A note from the Chair of the Family Law Section Council.
Deviation From Maintenance Guidelines Is Supported With Sufficient FindingsBy Christopher W. BohlenFamily Law, January 2026When dealing with a deviation from guideline maintenance, the court must make specific findings as to the amount and duration of non-guideline maintenance, as well as justify why the court chose to depart from guidelines.
The Pre-Trial Conference in Family Law: Why It Matters, How It Works, and How To Make It BetterBy Hon. Bernadette Barrett & Rhonda J. ThompsonFamily Law, January 2026Pre-trial conferences are an integral part of family law, built into the statutes that govern domestic relations matters. Judges and attorneys can take steps to ensure that pre-trials are as successful as possible in protecting children, resolving financial issues fairly, and reducing the collateral damage of litigation.
Chair Column: Midyear UpdateBy Staci BalbirerFamily Law, December 2025A note from the chair of the Family Law Section Council.
Countries Which Have Not Signed the Hague Convention—To Travel or Not? A Balancing ActBy Jessica MarshallFamily Law, December 2025Family law practitioners should familiarize themselves with the Hague Convention because travel to countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention or that are not in good standing is inherently risky for a minor child, and understanding what the court looks at when making such a determination is important for all practitioners to know when these issues arise.
Join Us at the ISBA & IJA Midyear Meeting—a Taste of What’s AheadBy Ted M. NiemannFamily Law, December 2025The Joint Midyear Meeting, hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association, is a can't-miss event, offering CLE programs on democracy preservation and the ethical use of AI; a Member Appreciation Reception featuring Glow Bingo and prizes; the Illinois Bar Foundation for the Champions Breakfast; the IJA/ISBA Joint Midyear Meeting Luncheon; and a Holiday Reception honoring the Supreme Court of Illinois. Register today!
Part II—Pet Peeves and Practice Tips: Views From the Bench and BarBy Hon. Jeanne M. ReynoldsFamily Law, December 2025This two-part series explores the "pet peeves" of family law practitioners and judges. Part II: Views from the bar highlights the "pet peeves" and "best practices" as told by various attorneys practicing family law.
Reynolds v. Reynolds: Recalibrating the Standard for Modifying Parenting Time in IllinoisBy Michael J. LevyFamily Law, December 2025The Second District Appellate Court recently ruled that a "substantial" change in circumstances is not required for parenting time modification, but rather the "changed circumstances" standard as set forth in section 610.5(a) of the IMDMA is applicable.
What Is Mediation and ADR: History, Models, and PrinciplesBy Sandra Crawford, J.D.Federal Taxation, December 2025An overview on the origins of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, different models of mediation, and the core principles of mediating disputes.
