Glossary of Terms

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

The legal term used in Illinois for decision-making authority regarding a child, including education, healthcare, and major life decisions.

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Parenting Time

The schedule that determines when a child is with each parent.

 

Parenting Plan

A written agreement outlining parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and how parents will handle important issues involving their child.

 

Best Interests of the Child

The standard courts use to make decisions involving children, based on factors such as stability, involvement of each parent, and the child’s needs.

 

Maintenance (Alimony)

Financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce, based on factors such as income, length of the marriage, and need.

 

Child Support

Financial support paid to assist with the costs of raising a child, calculated using Illinois statutory guidelines.

 

Equitable Distribution

The process of dividing marital property in a manner that is fair, though not necessarily equal.

 

Marital vs. Non-Marital Property

Marital property is generally acquired during the marriage and subject to division. Non-marital property typically includes assets owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance.

 

Dissipation

The improper use or spending of marital assets for a purpose unrelated to the marriage, often during the breakdown of the relationship.

 

Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

A court-appointed attorney who represents the best interests of a child in contested parenting matters.

 

Mediation

A confidential process where a neutral third party helps both parties reach an agreement outside of court.

 

Collaborative Divorce

A structured process in which both parties and their attorneys work together to resolve issues without going to court.

 

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce involves agreement on all issues. A contested divorce involves disputes that require negotiation or court involvement.

 

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

The document filed to begin a divorce case in Illinois.

 

Financial Affidavit

A sworn document detailing income, expenses, assets, and debts.

Status Date

A brief court appearance used to monitor progress in a case.

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Discovery

The process of exchanging financial and other relevant information between parties.

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Settlement Agreement

A written agreement resolving financial and/or parenting issues.