2025 Joint Midyear Meeting PhotosFebruary 2026The Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association proudly co-hosted the 2025 Joint Midyear Meeting on December 11–12 at the JW Marriott Chicago, bringing members of the legal community together for two days of connection and collaboration.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerFebruary 2026A note from the Chair of the ISBA Family Law Section Council.
Chair ColumnBy Staci BalbirerJanuary 2026A note from the Chair of the Family Law Section Council.
Deviation From Maintenance Guidelines Is Supported With Sufficient FindingsBy Christopher W. BohlenJanuary 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.
GAL Lists Across CircuitsBy Amy SchellekensFebruary 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.
The Pre-Trial Conference in Family Law: Why It Matters, How It Works, and How To Make It BetterBy Hon. Bernadette Barrett & Rhonda J. ThompsonJanuary 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.
Putting the Cart Before the Divorce: Pre-Decree Relocation Under 750 ILCS 5/603.5 and 5/609By John P.M. PeskindFebruary 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.
