DuPage Family Law Attorneys

Going through a divorce when children are involved can be emotionally draining and challenging for the entire family. With working moms contributing more than ever to the work force, it is difficult to balance work, children, and life. Thousands of moms go through a divorce each year; though the process is certainly difficult, it can be manageable if you follow some simple tips to ease the inevitable changes you and your family will be experiencing.

Best Interests of Your Child During an Illinois Divorce

The guiding principle for child custody during divorce proceedings is a “best interests of the child” analysis. Under Illinois law, there are a variety of considerations in this analysis, namely:

  • The wishes of the parent(s);
  • The wishes of the child;
  • The child’s adjustment and developmental needs;
  • Physical and mental health of the whole family;
  • Physical violence or threat of violence; and
  • The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child.

The important thing to remember during this time is whatever happens, the primary concern is the interests of your child. If you are awarded parenting time or have specific joint custody terms as part of your divorce settlement, consider the following:

  • Abide by all court orders regarding parenting time; if you want to contest the custody order at a later time, you must be able to display full cooperation.
  • Try to work things out before resorting to court involvement: What do your kids want? It can be difficult when living with young children if they tend to favor one parent over the other. Maybe dad is “fun,” but mom has a job and lays down the rules. If you are genuinely concerned about the well-being of your children, you must remain objective, even if it means you might not get the outcome you desire.
  • Try to keep things as normal as possible for your kids. It can be very confusing if you used to pick the kids up everyday, but now dad comes on Tuesday and Thursdays. If you consistently take one of your children to sports practice, see if you can come to an agreement that will still let you participate in that routine.
  • Consider tough situations in advance. Holidays, birthdays, graduations, any significant event may be difficult to manage during a divorce. If your kids are old enough, consider what they are expressing to you for their desires. Even if it hurts you emotionally, allowing them some autonomy may ease difficulty during this time.

Balancing Work Life As a Single Mother

Some compromises are inevitable. You cannot quit your job because getting off at 4:00 pm instead of 6:00 pm is simply more convenient. You can, however, have open and frank discussions with your employer if your needs have changed. Going through a divorce is embarrassing for some, but so many people experience it that there are more people out there that are likely to have an open mind and empathy for your situation than you may think.

Additionally, similar to considering holidays, consider what to do in a work-related emergency. If you cannot get off work on time but it is your day to pick up the kids, make sure you and your ex-spouse have considered the other’s schedule to see if someone can accommodate, whether it be your ex-spouse, a nanny, or a friend. Having these plans in place will make it less likely that you will be put in a bind, and it will be less likely to affect your work performance and presence at the office. It can take awhile to adjust to these new schedules, so mix-ups and late days are inevitable. Being prepared in advance is the best way to ensure that you keep your job intact, your children safe, and your peace of mind regarding the well-being of your children.

DuPage County Family Law Attorneys Are Here to Help You

Moms, dads, children, and siblings are all deeply affected by the challenges presented during a divorce. Though this will inevitably be an emotionally turbulent time for both you and your children, applying these tips can greatly improve the situation. Understanding what your legal rights are during a divorce can help you better comprehend what your options are for child custody, division of property and assets, marital support, and any other family-related legal issue. As a mom, your time, money, and energy is extremely valuable.

At Mulyk, Laho & Mack LLC, our experienced family law attorneys understand how challenging this can be. We will advocate tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you have the representation that will get you the results you want. We will help you navigate the various aspects of the proceedings, ensuring that you understand what is going on every step of the way. If you or anyone you know is a mom going through a divorce, do not hesitate to reach out to our Glen Ellyn divorce attorneys today to learn more about your legal rights. Call (630) 852-1100 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.