Back-To-School Tips for Divorcing or Divorced Parents

It's back to school time and for divorced parents the transition from summer to fall can be extremely difficult. Preparing children for school from two different households presents unique challenges such as:

• Who will pay for school costs?
• Which parent does the school contact if there is a problem?
• Who will chaperone the field trips or volunteer in the classroom?
• What school activities will the children be involved in?

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Tips for Healthy Co-Parenting After Divorce

Some divorces are amicable and arise from a mutual understanding that the marriage will not work. More likely, however, is that in the aftermath of a divorce at least one party will want nothing to do with the other ex-spouse. When children are involved, however, that is not a workable solution. Co-parenting in a productive and healthy environment after divorce is possible, although it does require some hard work. While you can find many great parenting tips on the web, this article boils it down to three basic rules.

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Four Steps to Reduce Conflict in Divorce

The dissolution of a marriage is usually an emotionally-charged event, as people try to process all of the changes that accompany divorce. However, a divorce does not have to be the equivalent of World War III, and it is usually counterproductive for the couple to let it become so - especially if they need to continue to raise children together. Fortunately divorcing couples can take some steps to reduce conflict.

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Illinois Determines Custody Under “Best Interests” Standard

The main factor in deciding which parent receives custody of a child in a divorce proceeding is the best interests and welfare of the child. There are two types of custody: physical and legal. Physical custody means physically is living with the child, while legal custody means making important decisions for the child, such as school, religious affiliation and medical care.

When deciding custody, the court will consider the wishes of the parents, but the overriding factor is what is best for the child. The issue of who is at fault for the divorce is not determinative of the child custody order, and the order is not meant to punish either parent.

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