Illinois parents who are going through a divorce may not know that the attitude of courts has shifted in recent decades toward increased fathers' rights. While some high-profile cases have appeared in the news of celebrities who are not married to the mothers of their children fighting for custody, in cases where the parents are married to one another, consideration tends to be given to the more stable parent and the best interests of the child regardless of gender.
International travel in the wake of divorce
For Illinois parents who are able, allowing a child to travel abroad can be beneficial for development and understanding of the world. In some cases, a child may wish to travel with a parent who is divorced. For parents who have split amicably and still trust one another, this might not present much of a problem. In some cases, though, there may be a risk - or at least a perceived risk - of the traveling parent failing to return the child. The non-traveling parent may object to travel plans, but he or she does not always have the power to deny the opportunity. However, there are ways that non-traveling parents can help ensure that children return safely after trips abroad.
The benefits of collaborative divorce
Chicago residents considering an end to their marriage may be unfamiliar with the collaborative approach to divorce. A collaborative divorce is not the same thing as a divorce involving a mediator; in a collaborative approach, each spouse has an attorney, and the ultimate aim is a peaceful resolution that satisfies everyone involved. Most collaborative divorces can be completed in under a year, and they are generally cheaper than divorces that get tied up in litigation as well.
Actor trying to gain custody of 4-year-old son
Illinois fans of actor Jason Patric may have heard that he is involved in a dispute over custody of his 4-year-old son. Patric was attempting to obtain joint custody, but the Los Angeles Superior Court denied his claim because the child was born through artificial insemination and he is considered to be a sperm donor. Furthermore, the court found that he and the child's mother had no agreement that he would be involved in the child's upbringing.
