Sometimes relationships turn bad. They run their natural course, end amicably, or result in a long-lasting relationship. Often though, they end in divorce. Divorce can be a straightforward process or end up being very complicated. In the event of a complex divorce, children may be treated as pawns or become upset and angry about the […]
March 3, 2016
Study Focuses on Impact and Prevalence of Parental Alienation after Divorce
Although the family laws in Illinois have changed, there is still great risk of parental alienation – a process in which one parent negatively influences their child’s relationship with the other parent. Sadly, there is a severe lack in data on this common issue; to rectify this, Colorado State University researchers have initiated a study to better […]
August 7, 2015
Divorce Can Make You a Better Parent
Contrary to sometimes-popular belief, divorce can be good for children. If the marriage is especially explosive, it can be more detrimental to a child’s psyche than the dissolution of the union of his or her parents. When parents who are not in love—or who have an especially volatile relationship—“stay together for the kids,” it can often teach […]
June 25, 2015
Mediation Can Help the Divorce Process
Depending on how well you and your spouse get along, mediation could be a better option than a traditional divorce. Mediation is the process in which a couple that is separating works with a professional to come to an agreement on all aspects of the divorce, rather than in the court system. This makes the process more […]
June 15, 2015
Surviving a High-Conflict Divorce
Divorce is difficult. However, a high-conflict divorcecan be even more strenuous. According to Dr. Kathy J. Marshack, a licensed psychologist and family/business coach, a high conflict divorce is any marital dissolution in which a separating couple cannot resolve differences in a rational or businesslike manner. Instead, a couple creates a costly and time-consuming war in or out […]
April 12, 2015
Legal Recourse for Parental Alienation
Parental alienation is the systematic breakdown of a child’s relationship with one parent after a divorce. It most commonly occurs after a contested or particularly nasty divorce. One parent may harbor extremely negative or detrimental feelings of the other and wants their shared child or children to be on his or her “side.’ The most […]
March 23, 2015
A Relationship with Your Child’s Stepparent after Divorce
When going through a divorce, maintaining a healthy, congenial relationship can be greatly beneficial for all parties involved, especially for your children. This is particularly true if you decide to remarry, and a stepparent is introduced into your family. And although it may not be easy, it may prove beneficial in the long run. One Huffington Post […]
February 2, 2015
Requesting a Child Support Modification in Illinois
If you are a divorced parent, chances are you have been through challenging and complicated proceedings concerning your children. Whether you and your ex-spouse share custody, or if custody was awarded to primarily one parent and visitation rights to the other, a child support order is likely to be part of the arrangement. Determining a Child Support […]
January 9, 2015
What is a “Bird’s Nest” Co-Parenting Agreement?
Divorcing with children is never easy, but a new trend in divorce may make the dissolution of a parents’ marriage easier on children. This is because a so-called “bird’s nest” co-parenting agreement is the most child-centered co-parenting in which divorced parents can engage. A bird’s nest, or “nesting” agreement is one in which the children stay in […]
December 15, 2014
What is Parental Alienation Syndrome?
About 75 percent of missing children were abducted by a noncustodial parent. These tragic incidents are extreme examples of Parental Alienation Syndrome, a condition which is very common in divided families. Also known as “parental brainwashing” and even “malicious mother syndrome,” Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS affects about one in five children. It comes in many forms, and parents who are going […]
December 8, 2014
Tips for Divorce during the Holidays
Divorce is difficult. The holidays are difficult. And when the two coincide, it can be one of the most agonizing times in a person’s life. Even if a marriage has been going downhill for some time, this can be particularly hard to remember during the holiday season when stereotypes of intact families and joyous partnerships […]
November 4, 2014
Divorced Parent Paying for College: Planning Ahead
Sorting through complicated financial issues is one major hurdle that many divorcees fear. There may be complex decisions to make regarding spousal support or alimony, the division of property, or issues of child support when applicable. Additionally, if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have children together, sorting out how you plan to pay for your […]
October 13, 2014
Defining Parental Alienation after Divorce
With technology infiltrating every aspect of modern society and a tendency for people to choose screens over traditional interaction, the idea of social alienation is one oft-discussed by sociologists and psychologist alike. Yet one of the oldest—and arguably most effecting—types of alienation is one perpetuated not by societal trends, but the oldest relationship in history: […]
September 18, 2014
Are Courts Taking Away the Rights of Divorced Parents?
Divorced parents may be losing their rights, at least according to a recent opinion piece in The New York Times. Divorced parents can sue each other; however, married parents cannot. When this happens, judges are often left to determine what is best for the children of divorce—including where they will go to school and where they […]
September 10, 2014
Back-to-School Co-Parenting
If you are a parent, back-to-school time can be one of the most stressful and busiest of the year. There are new clothes to buy, supplies to shop for, schedules to sort, and busy student days to work into your workday. This can be all the more complicated if you are divorced and have decided […]
September 4, 2014
Advice for Co-Parenting after Divorce
Divorce is never easy. But sharing parenting duties after marital dissolution may be an even more difficult than the divorce itself. Not only does co-parenting after divorce force you to remain on good enough terms with your ex-spouse and successfully navigate shared schedules, duties, and responsibilities, it also means that you will likely have to see your ex-spouse […]
July 3, 2014
The Benefits of Divorce for Children
Couples considering divorce may opt to stay together for a myriad of reasons. And one of the most common reasons is children. While there are several psychological studies that point to divorce and the lasting negative effects it can have on children, recent research points to the fact that oftentimes parents who stay in a bad marriage do […]
