Knowing what exactly a guardian ad litem means for your case will help you work effectively with them. Our Geneva family law attorneys can help you understand what to expect and how to approach this process with confidence.

What Does a Guardian ad Litem Do in Illinois Custody Cases?

Under 750 ILCS 5/506, a GAL may be appointed in cases involving the allocation of parental responsibilities, relocation disagreements, or other child-related issues where the court needs an objective person to make sure any decisions made won’t negatively affect the child.]]> Guardian ad Litem 2026-03-31 00:51:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/annulment-eligible https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/annulment-eligible Most people are familiar with divorce, but fewer are familiar with annulments. Those who are often don’t know what the difference is. If you’re on the verge of ending your marriage, knowing the difference can be very helpful, as annulments are legally very different from divorce.

Not many marriages qualify for annulment, but if yours does, it can change the process substantially. A Kane County family law attorney can review your situation and help you understand which path you should take.

What Is an Annulment, and How Is It Different From Divorce?

A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. An annulment, on the other hand, declares that the law never saw the marriage as valid. Essentially, a divorce says, "This marriage happened, and now it’s over." An annulment says, "This marriage should not have happened in the first place." In Illinois, the official legal term is a "declaration of invalidity of marriage," and is defined under law 750 ILCS 5/301.]]> Annulments 2026-02-25 00:39:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/when-modifications-to-a-divorce-decree-become-necessary https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/when-modifications-to-a-divorce-decree-become-necessary After your divorce finalizes, life continues to change. Your income might change, your children develop new needs, or something unexpected comes up that makes your previous divorce settlement not work. The same is true of your ex-spouse.

Illinois law provides options for modifying divorce decrees when this happens. If you believe your divorce order needs updating in 2026, a Geneva, IL divorce attorney can guide you through the process.

When Can You Request a Modification to Your Divorce Decree?

Under 750 ILCS 5/510, you can request changes whenever there has been a "substantial change in circumstances." You can also request a standard review every three years .]]> Modification & Removal 2026-01-28 00:27:53 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/how-holiday-parenting-time-works-in-illinois https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/how-holiday-parenting-time-works-in-illinois Deciding how to split holidays can be a contentious part of co-parenting. You can try some common methods or come up with a unique schedule that suits your family. As long as it serves your children’s best interests, the court will likely approve. To learn more about creating a holiday parenting time schedule, speak to our experienced Kane County, IL parental responsibilities lawyer.

How Do Co-Parents Usually Divide Parenting Time for the Holiday Season?

Illinois law recognizes that holidays disrupt regular schedules, and most parenting plans include a holiday schedule to accommodate them. The most common ways parents divide holiday time include:

• Alternating the holiday each year

• Splitting the holiday into two parts]]> Child Custody and Support 2025-12-11 00:00:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/how-alimony-works-in-high-income-illinois-divorces https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/how-alimony-works-in-high-income-illinois-divorces The financial side of divorce can become more complicated when it involves significant income and assets. High-income couples often receive income from bonuses, business ownership, or investments. These income sources can change from year to year, which makes it harder to calculate support. Working with a Geneva, IL high-income divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your financial future.

  How Does Spousal Maintenance Work in Illinois?

  In Illinois, alimony is called spousal maintenance, and the rules are outlined under 750 ILCS 5/504. This is money that one spouse pays to the other after the divorce. It helps a spouse with less access to financial resources maintain stability. It also gives them time to work toward financial independence.]]> Spousal Maintenance 2025-11-12 00:00:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/how-do-i-adopt-my-stepchild-in-illinois https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/how-do-i-adopt-my-stepchild-in-illinois A stepparent adoption in Illinois gives you the same legal rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. It is also one of the most meaningful steps you can take for your family. It strengthens bonds and gives you the comfort of legal protection. With help from our Kane County, IL adoption lawyers, you will understand every step of the process.

  When Can a Stepparent Legally Adopt in Illinois?

  Under the Illinois Adoption Act, a stepparent can adopt a child if certain conditions are met. You must be married to one of the child’s biological parents, and that parent must have full or shared custody of the child. The child must also have lived in your home for a period of time, showing that you have a stable family relationship.]]> Adoption 2025-10-09 00:00:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/using-collaborative-law-for-a-contested-divorce-in-illinois https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/using-collaborative-law-for-a-contested-divorce-in-illinois When couples cannot agree on the terms of their divorce, the process can quickly become complicated and emotionally draining. While many divorces in Illinois are contested, not every case has to result in a bitter courtroom battle. One available option is collaborative law. With the help of a skilled Geneva, IL collaborative divorce lawyer, spouses can often resolve disputes more respectfully and privately than through traditional litigation.

  What Is a Contested Divorce?

  A contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree on one or more issues. Disputes can stem from issues related to custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and division of marital assets. Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, Section 401 explains that a divorce may proceed even if one spouse objects, as long as the marriage is shown to be irretrievably broken. Contested divorces often take longer and cost more because they involve hearings, motions, and sometimes a trial.]]> Collaborative Law 2025-09-09 00:00:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/common-methods-of-business-valuation-in-illinois-divorce-cases https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/common-methods-of-business-valuation-in-illinois-divorce-cases When a couple divorces in Illinois, dividing property often becomes one of the most contested issues. If one spouse owns or co-owns a business, determining the fair value of that business is critical. The court must know the accurate value to ensure an equitable division of marital property. An experienced Kane County, IL business valuation attorney can help you navigate the complex process of business valuation and protect your financial interests.

  Most Common Approaches to Business Valuation in an Illinois Divorce

  Illinois courts recognize several accepted approaches to valuing a business during divorce. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, found in 750 ILCS 5/503, requires courts to divide marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally. To do this, the court often relies on expert testimony about the value of a business. The most common valuation methods include:]]> Business Valuation 2025-08-18 00:00:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/what-are-common-ways-people-hide-assets-in-an-illinois-divorce https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/what-are-common-ways-people-hide-assets-in-an-illinois-divorce The property division component of divorce, especially high-asset divorce, can be riddled with disputes. Unfortunately, hidden assets can be a real problem in many cases, more often when significant finances are involved. If you are going through a divorce and suspect your spouse is not being honest about what they own, a Kane County, IL hidden asset lawyer can help protect your interests.

  Duty To Disclose During Divorce Proceedings in Illinois

  In Illinois, divorcing spouses are required to be truthful about their finances. This means they must fill out detailed financial affidavits listing their income, expenses, assets, and debts. Hiding information or failing to disclose assets can have serious consequences. Your spouse could face penalties from the court or a less favorable property settlement.]]> Property Division 2025-07-18 00:00:00 https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/do-i-need-my-ex-s-permission-to-move-with-the-kids-in-illinois https://www.genevafamilylaw.com/divorceblog/do-i-need-my-ex-s-permission-to-move-with-the-kids-in-illinois Being a parent does not mean that you cannot move whenever you want. No one can stop you. However, if you want to move with your child, and you are no longer in a relationship with their other parent, you may need to take the issue to court. Parental relocation can be a contentious subject. Consider how Illinois law handles it and reach out to an experienced Kane County family law attorney to find out how the laws apply to your case.

  Illinois Rules on Relocation and Parental Responsibilities

  Under Illinois law, the term "parental responsibilities" is used like the word "custody." It refers to decision-making obligations and parenting time associated with legal and physical custody. When a parent who has equal or majority parenting time wants to move with their child, Illinois’s rules regarding parental relocation apply.]]> Child Custody and Support 2025-06-17 00:00:00