Posted on August 05, 2024 in Criminal Law

Illinois has taken a significant step forward in supporting low-income families by implementing new child support policies. These changes, effective July 1, 2024, aim to provide more financial resources directly to families in need. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand the aspects of the policy updates and the potential impact on you.

The New Pass-Through Policy

The main aspect of this reform is ensuring that child support payments are fully passed through to families who are either current or former beneficiaries of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Previously, the state retained some of these payments to cover operational costs. Now, all collected child support will be directed to the families for the care and support of their children. The main points of the new policy include:

• Full pass-through of child support payments to eligible households

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 Posted on July 29, 2024 in Divorce

When a court grants a divorce, it issues a divorce decree. This is a document that says the marriage is dissolved and declares the couple officially divorced. A divorce decree also contains the court’s orders on matters pertaining to the divorce, such as:

• Child custody

• Property division

• Family maintenance, which includes child support and alimony

The decisions in a divorce decree are legally binding and enforceable. If either party violates any of those orders, he or she can face certain consequences, which this article will explore. If you feel your ex-spouse is in violation of a court order, contact an Illinois divorce attorney to discuss the next steps.

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 Posted on July 14, 2024 in Divorce

Although the divorce rate in general is on a downward trend, gray divorces, or those for couples over 50, are increasing. Couples who have been married for decades often decide to go their separate ways, leaving their children and grandchildren confused.

Regardless of your age, divorce is rarely easy. Gray divorces often include significant issues that you may not know how to handle. A compassionate, experienced divorce attorney who understands the challenges you face can help make the process easier.

Why Are More Couples Over 50 Getting Divorced?

There are many reasons behind divorce. For couples over 50, some of the most common reasons are:

• Growing apart or bored: People’s values, interests, and goals change over time, sometimes leaving couples bored with each other or feeling disconnected.

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 Posted on June 26, 2024 in Divorce

By law, parents who get divorced in Illinois must submit a parenting plan to the court. This is a document that shows the judge how the parents plan to raise their child together after the divorce. It includes such details as:

• Schedules for parenting time, or physical custody

• Transportation arrangements

• Provisions for communication with the child during the other parent’s parenting time

• Parental rights and responsibilities

• Allocation of decision-making responsibilities

Parenting schedules are set out in the parenting plan, which is legally binding and should be drafted by an Illinois parenting plan attorney. However, sometimes unexpected things happen. Your co-parent may have to leave for an emergency during his or her parenting time. In that case, you may want to take physical custody of your child instead of a third party, such as a grandparent or babysitter. That is called the right of first refusal and should be included in your parenting plan.

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 Posted on June 16, 2024 in Divorce

Mediation can be a great way to resolve your differences outside of court. Most couples who go through mediation during a divorce are able to agree on a settlement without having to litigate their divorce in court, which can be more time-consuming and costly. Because it is so effective, judges often order couples to attend mediation after they file for divorce.

But is mediation always ideal? There are certain situations where mediation may not be the best course of action, as this article will discuss. If you are about to go through a divorce, ask your Illinois divorce attorney whether mediation is right for you.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a process where two parties try to resolve their dispute through negotiation. The negotiations are coordinated by a mediator, who is a neutral third party trained in negotiation and chosen by the court. Mediators are often former judges who use the knowledge and experience they have from the bench to help people resolve their disagreements.

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 Posted on May 21, 2024 in Family Law

Parents who get divorced in Illinois are required to submit a parenting plan to the court. A parenting plan is a detailed plan of action for how the parents will co-parent their child together. It includes such details as:

• Who has the majority of parenting time, or physical custody

• Parenting time schedules

• Transportation arrangements for the child

• How the parents will divide decision-making responsibilities

• How the parents will communicate with the child

Once a parenting plan is approved by a court, it becomes legally binding. If either parent wants to make any changes to the plan, he or she can ask the court to modify the parenting plan. A court will want to hear a good reason why the plan should be modified, however, which is why it is important to use an attorney when requesting post-decree modifications.

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 Posted on May 06, 2024 in Family Law

When parents file for divorce in Illinois, the court wants to make sure that their children receive proper care. A judge will often order a parent to pay child support to cover the child’s basic needs, such as:

• Basic healthcare

• Education

• Food and other living expenses

It is common, however, for other needs to arise that are not covered by child support. As children grow, their physical and developmental needs evolve. But since the law is not clear on who must pay for unforeseen child expenses, it is best to consult a child support attorney who knows how a court might view your case.

What Child Expenses Are Not Covered by Child Support?

A common example of unforeseen child expenses is when a child develops a disability or medical condition that requires extra care. Illinois law refers to this as a child care expense. A judge may order either parent or both parents to contribute towards child care, including:

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 Posted on April 25, 2024 in Divorce

It is common to hear “restraining order” in a divorce and think of domestic abuse. But sometimes a spouse wants to get a restraining order that prevents the other spouse from using certain money or assets. This is called a financial restraining order.

This article will discuss what a financial restraining order is and why a person getting divorced might want to request one. If you have any concerns about your assets or finances in your divorce, consult with a qualified Illinois divorce lawyer who can explain your options.

What is a Financial Restraining Order?

When a judge issues a financial restraining order, the order forbids both sides from touching certain assets or properties before they have a chance to be divided. It does not bar either side from being able to use personal money to pay bills. Both spouses must still be able to pay for what Illinois law calls the “usual course of business” and “necessities of life.” To pay for any expenditures other than this, however, a spouse will need to serve notice to the other party.

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 Posted on April 10, 2024 in Divorce

A guardian ad litem means a guardian “for the legal action only.” The purpose of a guardian ad litem (GAL) is to represent the best interests of a child in a court proceeding, such as a divorce or child custody case. A court can appoint a GAL whenever it feels it is best for the child, especially if there appears to be a conflict of interest between the child and his or her parents.

In Illinois, a GAL is an attorney who has gone through special court-approved training.

When Does a Court Appoint a GAL?

Illinois law allows a court to appoint a GAL whenever it feels a child needs one. Courts will also appoint a GAL in the following circumstances:

• If either side in the case requests that one be appointed for the child

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 Posted on March 25, 2024 in Divorce

Domestic violence cases in Illinois are complex and sensitive legal matters that require careful consideration and understanding. Sadly, there are several misconceptions surrounding these disturbing cases that can hinder the pursuit of justice and protection for victims. If you are dealing with an abusive spouse, please understand that you have options. Contact an attorney to find out what these options are and what steps you can take to ensure a safer future for yourself and your children. 

At Serrano Hanson & Hurtado, LLC, our knowledgeable and bilingual lawyers are well-informed and understand all family law matters, including domestic violence cases. With us, the safety of our clients is a top priority. Whether obtaining an order of protection for a client or solving custody problems with an abusive spouse, clients can trust that we will protect their rights and privacy.

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