Author Archives: MickiMoran
Supporting Disabled Adult Children in Illinois: Post-Majority Obligations Under the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
One of the most challenging questions families face during or after a divorce involves the financial support of a child who cannot become self-supporting due to a disability. In Illinois, the law provides a specific mechanism to address this circumstance by allowing … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSpecial Needs Divorce Considerations in Illinois: What Families Need to Know
Divorce is complex under any circumstances. When a child or dependent adult has special needs, however, the legal, financial, and practical considerations multiply. Illinois law provides some tools to help families protect vulnerable dependents, but these cases require careful planning … Continue reading
Share on FacebookParenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination serves two purposes: Parenting Coordination starts with a court order or written agreement for these services. Whatever document is used it is important that it be as specific as possible. Rule 909 clearly outlines what the P.C. can … Continue reading
Share on FacebookDivorce Involving Special Needs Children: Legal Considerations Under Illinois Law
Divorces involving children with special needs present distinct legal and practical challenges. Family law practitioners in Illinois must navigate not only the traditional aspects of custody (now referred to as “allocation of parental responsibilities”), parenting time, and support, but also … Continue reading
Share on FacebookLEGISLATIVE UPDATES: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
In August, Governor Pritzker signed a bill into law to help schools properly address childhood trauma with trained teachers, administrators and staff. At least 40% of children in Illinois have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. At least 10% … Continue reading
Share on FacebookAdvocacy Tips for Parents Staying on Top of Your Child’s Education
Get organized Buy a folder or two. Set up an organizational system that works for you. Keep Records of communication, emails, and work samples. Be clear about the communication system your school uses to track your child’s progress and assignments. … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSpecific Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia and the Science of Reading
Twenty-six years ago, I opened the Child and Family Law Center of the North Shore, now a division of Grund & Leavitt). Some of you who have known me well are aware that one of the inspirations for this law … Continue reading
Share on FacebookMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
This school year has been one where student’s mental health issues have been at the top of mind in cases in our office. Regrettably, this has been a period where calls from clients often involves bullying, threats of school violence, … Continue reading
Share on FacebookNEW GUIDANCE HELPS SCHOOLS SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES and AVOID DISCRIMINATORY USE OF DISCIPLINE
On July 19,2022, the Department of Education for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) released guidance to assist public elementary and secondary schools fulfill their responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities … Continue reading
Share on FacebookThe Minor’s Right to Confidentiality under Illinois Law
Parents are often shocked at how much control their minor child has over their mental health records. In a post-dissolution of marriage proceeding, the petitioner mother sought to restrict the father’s parenting time with their minor child based on allegations … Continue reading
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