Take the Time to Review Your Divorce-Related Orders

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Order Modification

As 2015 draws to a close, now is a good time to take a fresh look at the orders in place related to your divorce. Most commonly, these include arrangements for child custody or parental responsibilities, child support, and spousal maintenance. Life moves very quickly, and it is important to be sure that your court-ordered rights and responsibilities continue to appropriately match your situation.

Order Modifications

With very few exceptions, any family law order entered by the court is subject review and modification should such changes be warranted. The laws governing order modification typically require the person seeking a modification to demonstrate the need for reconsideration due to a significant change in circumstances. This type of change may include a dramatic increase or decrease in income, a remarriage, death of a family member, and any other event that could directly impact the appropriateness of an existing order.

New for 2016

This year, more than ever, it may be worth reviewing even more carefully your existing child custody order. Thanks to a reform measure passed earlier in 2015 and set to take effect in about a week, the concept of child custody is getting an overhaul in Illinois. Sole and joint custody provisions are being replaced with a more fluid allocation of parental responsibilities and shared decision-making authority. If your current arrangement is due for an update, the revised law may offer you increased opportunities to participate in the life of your child.

The new law also provides additional clarification on some occurrences that will be statutorily considered significant changes in circumstances. The most prominent among these is a parental relocation, or a move of greater than 25 miles with a child (greater than 50 miles from outside of the Chicago area). Such a move will, by law, necessitate a modification to a custody or parenting time order to accommodate the new reality.

Legal Professionals You Can Trust

Over the last decade, Attorney Matthew M. Williams has been providing clients with reliable, hardworking representation for all of their family-related legal concerns, including order modifications. He and his team are prepared to offer the same level of personal attention to you and your family’s needs. For more information about pursuing an order modification, contact an experienced DuPage County family law attorney today. Call 630-409-8184 to schedule an introductory consultation and let us assist you in finding the solution that works best for you and your children.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59