Last week, we discussed a bill before the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee that would clarify and codify the collaborative law process for resolving divorce and family law disputes. That bill isn't the only family law reform proposal before the legislature this year, however. Two other bills, the proposed Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and Illinois Parentage Act would make substantial, although commonsense changes to the divorce process, child custody and parenting time, parental decision-making and child support.
Illinois Senate proposal would codify collaborative law practice
A bill currently being considered by the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee could provide clearer guidance to those interested in a more amicable way to resolve divorce and family disputes. Collaborative law isn't new -- it's already being practiced by trained family law practitioners across the state. If passed, however, the Illinois Uniform Collaborative Law Act would lay out the expectations and obligations of the parties, lawyers and other professionals who take part in the process.
Two boys return to grandparent's custody after parental kidnapping
The two Hakken boys grabbed national attention this month after their parents, who had lost custody of the boys earlier in the month, allegedly kidnapped the boys and fled to Cuba in a small boat. It's a story many residents here in Illinois hope never happens to them.
Visitation dispute goes 'nuclear' between mom and grandparents
A highly-acrimonious dispute over whether the grandparents of a deceased man will be allowed to host their 5-year-old granddaughter for court-ordered visitation is now in its third year, and a Cass County family court judge has just taken an unusual step. Ruling that the mother, a former Ashland resident who now lives in Florida, was in criminal contempt of court when she didn't show up at a recent hearing, he has issued an arrest warrant that could result in the woman's extradition from Florida.
