Posts by Larry Manassa

In Illinois, significant income disparity between parents is addressed through the Income Shares Model. Under the statute 750 ILCS 5/505, the court combines both parents’ net incomes to establish a total child support obligation. This amount is then prorated, meaning each parent is responsible for a percentage of the total based on their individual contribution…

In Illinois, what was once called child custody is now referred to as the allocation of parental responsibilities, and it is determined strictly by the best interests of the child standard. Essentially, a judge evaluates a specific set of statutory factors regarding the child’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. The court does not enter the…

In Illinois, modifying a parenting time schedule generally requires filing a petition with the court to demonstrate that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the last order was entered. Under 750 ILCS 5/610.5, the court’s primary focus is whether the modification serves the best interests of the child, not just the convenience of…

The most effective way to reduce the stress on your children during a separation is to legally and emotionally uncouple the marital conflict from your parental responsibilities. In Illinois, this is achieved by using the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities framework to create a detailed, conflict-proof Parenting Plan. Divorce is a complete restructuring of a child’s…