Three Important Considerations for Divorcing Parents in Illinois
Any divorce can be complicated personally, legally, and financially. However, parents often face a unique set of issues when ending their marriage. Many parents’ primary concern during divorce is that of their children. They worry about the effect the split will have on their kids’ emotional well-being, growth and development, and schoolwork. They also worry about how issues like child custody and child support will be handled in the divorce. If you are a parent considering divorce in Illinois, make sure to keep the following considerations in mind.
You Can Get Temporary Financial Support While the Divorce is Ongoing
If you are a parent considering divorce, you may have concerns about the financial consequences of the split. Many parents–especially stay-at-home parents–rely on their spouse’s income. Fortunately, Illinois law allows divorcing parents to request temporary child support or spousal support orders before the split is finalized. “Temporary relief” child support orders require the parent with less parenting time to pay child support to the parent with more parenting time while the divorce is ongoing. This means that you do not have to wait until your divorce is settled to get financial support from the other parent.
A Detailed Parenting Plan Is the Key to Effective Co-Parenting
Illinois law requires parents to create a “parenting plan” and submit it to the court for approval. The plan contains information about how the parents will divide parenting time and parenting responsibilities, handle any future modifications to child custody arrangements, and numerous other issues. The more detailed your parenting plan, the better. Deciding on parenting issues in advance means that there is less opportunity for disagreements and conflict in the future. Many divorcing couples work with a family law attorney or mediator when designing their parenting plan.
You Are in a Better Position to Care for Your Kids When You Care For Yourself
If you are like most parents, you are probably in the habit of putting your needs last. Many divorcing parents spend so much time focusing on their children that they neglect their own mental well-being during the divorce. Ending a marriage can be a stressful, complicated experience. Make sure you have the support you need during this difficult time. In addition to working with an experienced divorce lawyer, you may also want to join a divorce support group or work with a skilled therapist. When you take good care of yourself, you are in a better position to take care of your children.
Contact a Kane County Divorce Lawyer
At Van Larson Law, P.C., we understand that a divorce involving children includes a greater number of concerns than a divorce without children. Batavia child custody attorney Van A. Larson and the rest of our team are equipped to help you with child support, child custody, temporary relief orders, and much more. Contact us at 630-879-9090 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K501.htm