If you have a family law issue that needs to be resolved, it may be in your best interests to have a seasoned Orland Park family lawyer from the Reidy Law Firm represent you. Our conscientious and compassionate staff could identify the most important issues in your case and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Call today to schedule a consultation with a dedicated attorney.

What You Should Know About Illinois Family Law

Family law is a broad legal category that encompasses a wide variety of matters, the most well-known are which are issues such as divorce, adoption, child custody, and paternity. It also includes matters relating to same-sex marriage, in light of the Illinois state legislature legalizing these unions.

Orland Park family law cases are regulated by a combination of complex statutes, court decisions, and the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act that was revised in 2016. The laws can be very confusing and require careful interpretation and application, which is why getting assistance from an Orland Park family lawyer for any family law matters you encounter can be so important.

Dissolution of Marriage in Orland Park

Illinois is a true no-fault divorce state. To file for divorce, you only need to state “irreconcilable differences” as your rationale for divorce. Furthermore, property and assets are divided using an equitable distribution scheme, which means that the assets are divided fairly based on the total financial picture for both you and your spouse.

In Orland Park and throughout the state of Illinois, alimony is also known as “spousal support” or “maintenance.” Whatever its title, this support can be awarded to either spouse and is based on many factors, including current needs, future ability to be self-supporting, and financial profile. For more information, reach out to one of our Orland Park family attorneys.

Issues Involving Children of Divorce

Some of the recent changes in Illinois family law affect children. The term “custody” is now referred to as “allocation of parental responsibilities,” and “visitation” is now referred to as “parenting time”.

Another recent change relates to major decision-making for the health, education, and religious upbringing of children. Under the new law, the court determines which parent should take responsibility for each category. Courts consider “the best interests of the child(ren)” when making these determinations, basing their decisions on factors such as:

  • The wishes of the child
  • Conduct and involvement of each parent in past decisions for the child
  • The ability of the parents to cooperate with decision making for the child
  • The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
  • The child’s needs
  • The distance, cost, and difficulty of transportation between the parent’s homes
  • Schedules of the parties

How Our Orland Park Family Attorneys Could Help You

A Reidy Law Office LLC family lawyer could advise you on the law in Orland Park, discuss possible options for your unique needs, and follow through with all the paperwork necessary to help achieve your goals. Our staff is devoted to providing effective negotiation and fierce advocacy on behalf of our clients in all areas of family law—and we are ready and available to consult with you. To get started on your case, get in touch with an Orland Park family lawyer today.