Most people are familiar with the Christmas film "Home Alone." In this case, parents inadvertently leave their son home while jetting off to Paris for the holidays. However, what does family law in Illinois say about leaving a child home alone? Legally, in Illinois, a child can be left home alone when he or she is 14 years of age or older.
What Illinois family law says about leaving a minor child alone
Family law: Helping children with stepparent relationships
The structure of the family has taken on new forms over the past couple decades. With divorce becoming more socially acceptable, there are more blended families in Illinois today than ever before. The legal issues concerning families are governed by family law and that includes issues surrounding stepparents who may find parenting in blended families a bit challenging, but it needn't be.
Home study preparation can build confidence and rapport
The process of fostering or adopting children in Illinois is not one for the faint of heart and is certainly not a process that is approved without considerable investigation into the home life of potential host families. A part of the process of adopting and even foster parenting is a home study where a member of the family's chosen adoption agency will visit an applicant's home and analyze whether or not the environment is safe, comfortable and realistic for a child to grow and thrive.
The benefits of joint custody
Illinois parents who are getting a divorce have to consider their options when it comes to custody matters. These days, most experts agree that the best option - if feasible - is to have joint or shared custody. It is said to benefit children in many ways.
Get the facts about foster parent adoption
As a foster parent in Illinois, you are likely a loving person willing to open your heart and home to children in need. We at Lavin & Parisi Attorneys at Law admire your generosity and self-sacrifice. There may come a time when you want to make a more permanent arrangement and adopt a foster child.
How does mental illness impact child custody proceedings?
There are many reasons why marriages come to an end. One reason that is too seldom discussed is mental illness. If one spouse suffers from certain types or certain severities of mental illness, it can make it difficult or impossible to keep the relationship healthy – especially if the ill spouse refuses to get treated or comply with treatment recommendations.
