Research suggests that getting divorced can be one of the most difficult and disruptive life events for everyone involved. A divorcing couple has often built up years of resentments, and it can be hard to remember that they ever saw anything good in each other. One potential consequence of this hostility is that parents will often try to get sole custody of their child. They may try to convince the court that the other parent is so unfit that they should not have any say in important decisions regarding the child. Sometimes, this is based on the sincere belief that sole custody is in the child’s best interests. Sometimes it is done, unconsciously or otherwise, out of a desire to hurt the other spouse. 

The truth is that being the only parent to have all the parental responsibilities may have benefits, but it may also have drawbacks. Parents should make a sincere effort to consider their child’s best interests and whether they would be served by a sole custody arrangement.

What Does “Sole Custody” Mean? 

Illinois law no longer contains the phrases “child custody” and “visitation.” However, the term “custodial parent” is still informally used to refer to a parent who has all of the parental responsibilities. Parental responsibilities allocated in a parenting plan include decision-making authority for the child’s healthcare, schooling, extracurricular activities, and more. Parenting time refers to the time a parent spends with the child. During a parent’s “parenting time,” the parent is responsible for daily caregiving responsibilities like feeding and bathing the child.  

Divorce is commonplace in 2021, and many couples may be tempted to handle the filing, negotiating, and property settlement for themselves. When a couple is separating amicably, it may seem that the divorce process is fairly straightforward and they believe they will be able to come to a mutual resolution without help from a divorce attorney. Couples may also believe they can save themselves significant time and expense by handling the divorce themselves. 

Regardless of how legitimate the reasons for wanting to avoid hiring a lawyer may be, the truth is that handling the divorce process yourself can actually end up costing you more time and money. Divorce law is complex, and it is easy to make mistakes that are very costly in the short and long term. Clerks and judges are not permitted to give you legal advice. If you decide not to hire an attorney, you are truly on your own. 

Why Hire a Professional Divorce Attorney? 

• Avoid Financial Mistakes – Divorce, no matter how simple it may seem, causes substantial changes to your overall financial picture. Shared bank accounts, credit cards, and major debt like car loans and mortgages will all play a role in your divorce. Likewise, retirement accounts or Social Security benefits can complicate a couple’s financial picture. You do not want to be surprised with unexpected loss from investment accounts or find yourself shelling out big bucks to avoid selling your home. A good divorce attorney will help you avoid common financial pitfalls while simultaneously helping you make financial decisions that will benefit you in the long run. 

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Paternity – the state of being someone’s father – may seem more straightforward than it actually is. Some men strive to avoid being seen as a child’s father, as this comes with responsibilities like child support, while other men have to work to prove that they are the father of a child so they can be involved in his or her life. Whichever side you find yourself on, it is important to understand how paternity is established and treated within Illinois law. 

How is Paternity Established? 

 Paternity tests are the most famous method of establishing paternity, as they are often dramatized on television. However, there are several other methods under Illinois law by which you can become the legal father of a child. 

•  You formally adopted a child.

• A court paternity case found you to be the father.

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Choosing a great divorce attorney is a crucial part of having a successful divorce process. But with so many attorneys here in Illinois alone, how do you know which attorney to choose? Skills, experience, and a proven track record are things most people would want – but whether you want an attorney who is more aggressive or more compassionate will depend on your circumstances and your own personality. 

Here is a list of some of the most important qualities everyone should look for in a divorce attorney – and why The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. measures up. 

Professionalism

A great attorney will treat you, and themselves, with respect. You will be able to tell that they take their profession seriously because they will be on time, they will treat you with polite professionalism, and will never look like they just rolled out of bed. Your attorney should be able to explain complex legal topics in a way that is easy to understand, and make you feel heard and respected. 

Divorce can be a traumatic event for children, but there are things parents can do to make the process easier. Staying connected to their child during and after the divorce is the priority of most parents, and studies show that children with involved parents tend to do much better throughout their entire life. Here, we explore some of the best ways parents in Illinois can remain close with their children after a divorce.  

Be Assertive in the Relationship

Kids sometimes react unpredictably following a divorce. They may become withdrawn, surly, and even directly tell you they don’t want to talk to you. Nevertheless, a parent who remains stubbornly in pursuit of a loving relationship with their child is more likely to achieve success in the long run. 

Make Your Home a Place They Want to Be

Parents don’t have to spoil or overindulge their children while creating a warm, loving home. Basic measures will go a long way towards making your home a happy place that children want to be. Keeping things clean and organized will contribute to a peaceful, stable environment. Having regular family dinners will show you care about their well-being. Showing respect for their other parent – at a minimum, not trashing-talking them – will help your child feel more comfortable being around you.