Posts by Larry Manassa
How Do I Adjust Time Sharing to Accommodate New Circumstances?
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…
Read MoreHow to Make Divorce or Custody Battles Easier on Your Kids
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…
Read MoreIllinois Child Custody & Moving Out of State
While every parent has the right to move, the Illinois courts place significant restrictions on a parent’s ability to relocate with a child when an existing parenting plan is in place. Moving out of state with your child is not a simple decision as it is a serious legal action that requires careful planning, strict…
Read MoreWhat Factors Do Illinois Courts Consider When Deciding Child Custody?
When parents can’t agree on how to share time or responsibilities for their children, an Illinois judge steps in to decide. The court applies a legal standard known as “the best interests of the child.” To determine what happens based on this standard, judges follow a specific set of factors outlined in the Illinois Marriage…
Read MoreWhat Does Supervised Visitation Mean in Illinois? A Guide to Your Parenting Time
When a court steps in to manage how and when you see your child, the situation feels confusing and distressing. A term you may hear is “supervised visitation,” but in Illinois, the law now refers to this as supervised parenting time. This is a court-ordered arrangement where a parent only spends time with their child…
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