Divorce is an unfortunate reality that affects many couples in Illinois. While couples who get married usually intend to stay together for the rest of their lives, a marriage can fall apart for a variety of reasons. In some cases, disagreements about money or other issues can result in the end of a relationship, while in others, a couple may have children and find that they are unable to put enough energy toward their relationship while also managing parental responsibilities. Even if a couple has the best intentions, they may find that they simply are not compatible. Regardless of the reasons for the end of a marriage, there are certain steps that will need to be followed during the divorce process, and understanding these procedures can help anyone in this situation navigate through a divorce successfully.

When approaching the divorce process, it can be difficult to separate one's emotions from the legal, financial, and practical issues that will need to be addressed. The stress involved in ending a relationship that was meant to be permanent, dividing money and property, making adjustments to living arrangements and schedules, and ironing out all of the legal details of dissolving a marriage can be hard enough on its own. However, this process can become even more difficult when also dealing with sadness, anger, betrayal, guilt, or other emotional issues. For parents, adding the many child-related issues that will need to be addressed on top of everything else can make things even more difficult. With everything that will need to be considered, the divorce process can seem like a series of obstacles that may be nearly impossible to surmount.

Fortunately, if you are in this situation, you do not have to go through the divorce process alone. With the right divorce lawyer on your side, you can understand the legal concerns that will affect you and the methods you and your spouse may be able to use to resolve disputes and reach agreements. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we understand the difficulties you are facing, and we are here to guide you through the divorce process, sharing our knowledge and providing valuable advice while also representing you in negotiations and court proceedings and working to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. We will walk you through each step of an Illinois divorce, including:

Family law cases involving child custody can be difficult and stressful, even in situations where there is little conflict and parents are in agreement about how various issues should be handled. However, these cases can easily become contentious. In some cases, parents' negative feelings toward each other may affect how they interact with their children, and one parent may act in ways that could cause harm to the relationship between the children and the other parent. These actions and behaviors are often referred to as parental alienation, and they can not only affect matters related to child custody, but they can cause children to suffer emotional harm.

In situations where parental alienation has occurred or where a parent suspects that their former partner is attempting to alienate their children against them, it is important to address this issue correctly. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, our divorce and family law attorneys know how harmful parental alienation can be, and we work to help our clients respond to this type of behavior and ensure that they can maintain good relationships with their children. We always work to protect the best interests of children in these matters, and we do everything we can to protect them against harm and advocate for solutions that will allow for positive parent/child relationships.

Understanding Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse that can have long-lasting effects on children. It involves actions or words that can cause a child to turn against one parent and take the other parent's side in a divorce or child custody case. In some cases, parental alienation may be unintentional, and it may arise out of high levels of conflict between parents, children being exposed to arguments, or a parent expressing anger or frustration about issues related to the end of a marriage or long-term relationship.

When it comes to Illinois child custody cases, there are many questions that parents may encounter. How will parental responsibilities be allocated? What does parenting time involve? What should be included in a parenting plan? These and other frequently asked questions about Illinois child custody cases can be daunting for those who are going through a divorce or who need to address custody issues as unmarried parents. It is essential for parents to be aware of the laws that affect these matters so that they can make wise decisions when confronting family law issues. 

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we understand the difficulties that many parents face when addressing legal issues related to their children. Disagreements between parents are common, but parents can often do their best to minimize conflict by focusing on their children’s best interests. Our attorneys work closely with parents in family law cases, helping them determine the best approach to take and the ideal methods of resolving disputes in a way that will allow for continued cooperation and co-parenting. We can answer any questions our clients have, ensuring that they will be prepared to address child custody issues effectively.

What Is the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities in Illinois?

Many people are familiar with the distinction between legal custody and physical custody in family law cases. Illinois law refers to legal custody as the allocation of parental responsibilities. This aspect of a child custody case will address the roles of each parent in deciding matters concerning their children’s health, education, and well-being. The allocation of parental responsibilities defines each parent’s rights and responsibilities as they make decisions about how children will be raised. 

The divorce process will involve numerous complex issues related to your finances, your living situation, your relationships with friends and family members, and your personal affairs. Reorganizing your life as you separate from your spouse, establishing new living arrangements, determining how to cover various expenses, and changing your routines can be very stressful. As you work out all the details related to the end of your marriage, one issue that can easily be forgotten is the change to your name.

A name change can represent a new beginning after a divorce, and it can help you put difficult times behind you as you establish a new life for yourself. However, understanding the steps you will need to follow when changing your name is not always easy. In addition to completing the requirements to legally change your name, you will need to update multiple different types of documents and notify various organizations. By understanding the steps you will need to follow, you can make sure you will be prepared to move forward after your divorce is complete.

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we can advise you on the best ways to address all of the legal issues you are facing during and after your divorce. We will provide you with strong, effective representation to ensure that you can achieve a positive outcome for your case, and we will also provide you with guidance on how to address any ongoing legal concerns. In addition to assisting with name changes, we can help you take steps to modify your divorce decree when necessary or enforce the terms of court orders put in place during your case.

Divorce can be an emotionally difficult process, and when mental illness is involved, it may become even more complex. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can drastically affect the approach taken during divorce proceedings, and they may influence the outcome of a case and play a role in decisions about child custody, financial support arrangements, and other issues. If you are planning to get a divorce, and your spouse has a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness or other health issues, it is important to understand your rights. By seeking representation from an experienced family law attorney who is knowledgeable about the legal implications of these cases, you can protect your interests and determine the best ways to resolve any disputes you may encounter. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we can help address these concerns during the divorce process, and we are prepared to fight for your rights and interests as you work to end your marriage successfully.

Mental Illness and Divorce: What You Need to Know

When it comes to divorce, mental illness can be a complicating factor. During divorce proceedings, mental health conditions or other health concerns may affect decisions concerning child custody, financial support, and other issues that must be resolved before your marriage can be legally dissolved. Understanding how to address these issues correctly can be crucial, and whether your spouse has a mental or physical illness or you have been diagnosed with a condition that could affect your divorce, you will need to determine the best ways to address any concerns you may face.

In certain circumstances, a spouse who is suffering from a mental health condition may be declared mentally incompetent. This may be an issue to address in situations where there are concerns that a person is incapable of making sound decisions about their own well-being or the welfare of their children. If a spouse is judged mentally incompetent, a legal guardian may be named who can make decisions on their behalf, and an attorney can represent them during legal proceedings and advocate for their rights and interests.