Language Matters: Timeliness of Enforcing JudgmentsBy Rebecca MelzerFamily Law, February 2023With so many divorce cases being resolved by entering into a marital settlement agreement, practitioners should strive to help ensure that the agreement is enforced.
The Ethics of Representing ChildrenBy Lisa M. NyuliFamily Law, January 2023How attorneys represent children's interests under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act can impact families for years to come.
Musings of a Mediator: 15 Years LaterBy Christopher BohlenFamily Law, January 2023When Illinois Supreme Court Rule 905 was created, it gave a deadline to circuit courts to create rules for mandatory mediation of child issues in dissolution and parentage cases.
Rogers: A Different Perspective of Income and Double CountingBy James HanauerFamily Law, December 2022For years, the courts have struggled with the issue of allocating an asset as property and then calling the same asset income for purposes of child support and/or maintenance calculations.
When a Disability Benefit Is Actually a Pension in DisguiseBy Michael StraussFamily Law, December 2022Illinois courts are now unified in holding that they are to be treated the same if a party was ordered to divide their pension before the disability occurred.
Can Child Representatives and Guardians Ad Litem Disgorge Fees From Either Party’s Counsel?By Agnes Olechno & Molly KirshFamily Law, November 2022If you have ever been appointed as guardian ad litem or child representative in a domestic relations matter, you have probably had at least one case where one or both parents say they have no funds to pay their outstanding balance with your office, but they have now retained their fourth or fifth attorney to whom they have paid another retainer.
Using IEPs in Allocating Decision Making and Parenting TimeBy Marilyn Longwell & Dr. Gerald BlechmanFamily Law, November 2022Individual Education Plans include test results and anecdotal comments about a student’s abilities, performance, and behavior in school. In addition to assisting educators determine the child's needs, they can be considered when resolving issues such as parenting time and decision making when parents are divorcing or separating.
Allocating Frozen Embryos in Divorce in IllinoisBy Ashley D. DavisFamily Law, October 2022One question that Illinois courts are now embracing is how to address frozen embryos created during a marriage after that marriage has ended.
What Family Law Attorneys Need to Know About Instagram #CoachesBy Karen VanderMeerFamily Law, October 2022With the increased popularity of Instagram, a new influential participant is shaping clients' perception on what to expect from their family law cases—the Instagram coach.
(Good) Cause and EffectBy Samuel CzervionkeFamily Law, August 2022A plenary order of protection can be entered for a maximum period of two years, however, the duration can be extended at the request of the petitioner.
But Wait, There’s More…By Jessica PatchikFamily Law, June 2022The first in a series of columns dedicated to demystifying the Child Support Advisory Committee mandated by 305 ILCS /12-4.20(c) and the quadrennial review of child support guidelines.
Navigating Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in Illinois State CourtsBy Judge Debra B. Walker & Andrea FischerFamily Law, June 2022During the past two years the issue of special immigrant juvenile status has become more and more prevalent in Illinois domestic relations cases, requiring collaboration between federal and state courts.
The ‘What Was Contemplated…’ Virus Has Been Eradicated!By Judge Arnold Blockman, (ret.)Family Law, June 2022On May 13, 2022 the governor signed SB 3036 (P.A. 102-0823), which amended 750 ILCS 5/501(a)(1) and (a-5) regarding the modification of child support and maintenance.
The Quadrennial Child Support Review: An Opportunity to Effect ChangeBy Melanie CaspiFamily Law, May 2022Now that practitioners and judges have had an opportunity to use and evaluate the child support guidelines for the past five years, it is time to discuss needed changes, updates, and clarifications to section 505 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
The Trend Away From the ‘Every Other Weekend’ ParentBy Amy SilbersteinChild Law, May 2022In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on a divorced parent with less parenting time having a more expanded parenting role and time schedule.
Gathering and Using Social Media EvidenceBy Nicole M. Onorato & Judge Karen J. BowesElder Law, April 2022Practitioners should be sure to not only keep up with new social media trends and technologies, but also ensure that discovery requests are tailored to capture relevant social media evidence and effectively use it in a case.
