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New Divorce Laws Change the Landscape of Child Custody Cases

Attorneys across the state of Illinois are changing the way they prepare for divorce proceedings. This is especially true for attorneys handling cases that involve children. As of January 2016 a new set of Illinois divorce laws are in effect, and this the changes are significant. The last overhaul of Illinois divorce law was in 1977, so these changes are capturing the attention of every Buffalo Grove family attorney.

Elimination of the Grounds for Divorce

Under the new law, which is officially known as the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the grounds for getting a divorce have changed. Parties who are seeking a divorce are no longer required to cite grounds such as mental anguish, adultery, abandonment or any of the ten fault-based terms. Irreconcilable differences are now the only grounds for divorce in Illinois.

Illinois was already a no-fault state, so grounds had little effect on previous divorces. In fact, certain grounds, such as “habitual drunkenness,” were rarely used. Removing the ability for a divorcing spouse to assign blame is meant to streamline the divorce process and make it easier for couples to divorce without lengthy legal battles. A judge will simply have to determine that irreconcilable differences led to the breakdown of a marriage and that reconciliation would not be in the interest of either party.

Waiting Periods Change

According to the old law, divorcing parties who cited irreconcilable differences were required to prove that they had lived separately and apart for two years. No waiting period was required for those citing grounds. The new law requires divorcing couples to live separately and apart for just six months.

Basically, if two parties live apart for a continuous period of not less than six months immediately prior to divorce proceedings then irreconcilable differences have been proven. Because the waiting period was so lengthy, “mental cruelty” was often cited as grounds, to speed up the divorce process.

Divorcing couples will still be able to find other ways to prove irreconcilable differences under the new law. The shortening of the waiting period will make this option a less attractive one, however, and most couples will likely choose the six-month separation.

Familiar Terms Replaced

The terms “custody” and “visitation” will no longer be used in Illinois divorce proceedings. They have been replaced by “allocation of parental duties” and “parenting time.”

In the past, parents were assigned either sole or joint custody. Under the new law, decisions about a child’s health care, education, religion and extra-curricular activities will be split between parents. A court can allocate these responsibilities either jointly or solely to a parent. Though the shift from “custody” to “allocation of parenting duties” is a significant name change, the realities of determining parental responsibility are similar to the old law.

The shift from “visitation” to “parenting time” is meant to spare offense. The concept remains the same, but the sentiment behind the term has changed slightly.

When Parents Move

One significant change in the new laws allows custodial parents to move with their children, as long as that move is within 25 miles. In certain counties along state lines, 25 miles can mean a move to a different state. Before the new law took effect, a court order was required in order to move across a state line.

Additional Differences in the New Law

For parents of children, the filing of a “proposed parenting plan” is now required. A parenting plan is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parents. Before the law change, parenting plans were often referred to as “custody agreements.” If both parents agree to a parenting plan, it can be drafted by a Buffalo Grove family attorney and entered by a judge. It then becomes a court order, which must be adhered to by both parents.

New standardized forms are now required under the new law. These have been developed to further streamline the divorce process.

A “joint simplified divorce” is now available to more couples. The income limit has been raised, making this option a solution for more families. A joint simplified divorce lets couple divorce faster and is available to those who do not depend on a spouse for financial support and have been married for eight years or less.

Though such significant changes to family law are certain to change the landscape of divorce cases involving children in Illinois, how these changes will impact the families involved is still uncertain. The law now more closely resembles the divorce laws of other states. The changes to Illinois law take a “collaborative law” approach, with the hopes of eliminating the concept of winners and losers. The overhaul also makes Illinois a true no-fault divorce state.

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Roger W. Stelk

Arlington Heights family law attorney Roger W. Stelk provides legal representation and advice to people facing divorce, child custody, and real estate law matters in Cook County, the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and Northern Illinois. As the founder of the Law Offices of Roger W. Stelk, his goal is to provide the highest quality legal services in a professional, personal and comfortable atmosphere.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active

Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association McHenry County Bar Association Northwest Suburban Bar Association

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author-bio-image author-bio-image
Roger W. Stelk

Arlington Heights family law attorney Roger W. Stelk provides legal representation and advice to people facing divorce, child custody, and real estate law matters in Cook County, the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and Northern Illinois. As the founder of the Law Offices of Roger W. Stelk, his goal is to provide the highest quality legal services in a professional, personal and comfortable atmosphere.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active

Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association McHenry County Bar Association Northwest Suburban Bar Association

Go Back <<
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