More Changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act are on Their Way!

 Posted on August 31, 2016 in Child Custody

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was rewritten last year and became effective January 1, 2016. Less than a year later, more changes are already on their way, intended to "clean up" the Act. 

Although not effective yet, stay tuned for the following changes: 

Removal - both parties will be enjoined from removing a minor child from the court's jurisdiction for more than 14 days. Both parties will also be enjoined from concealing a child from the other parent. 

College - educational expenses will be capped at "in-state" tuition and fees at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana).

Parenting Plans - 

If the Respondent does not file an Appearance, a parenting plan will not be required. 

A parenting plan will be binding upon the court unless the court finds that it is not in the best interest of the child(ren), as opposed to finding it to be "unconscionable."

A court will again be able to order counseling and parenting classes, a provision that had been removed by the current version. 

Parents will be able to modify parenting time at any time upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances and that modification would serve the best interest of the child(ren). A showing of serious endangerment would not be required to modify parenting time within 2 years. 

Child Support - child support will no longer be based solely on a percentage of the paying parent's net income. Rather, an income-sharing approach would be used factoring in the income of both parents. 

Our attorneys are experienced in family law matters, staying up to date on the ever-changing laws in the State of Illinois. If you find yourself in need of a family law attorney or have questions about how these changes may impact you or your case, please contact J. Aldrich Law, P.C. for a free initial consultation.