The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act Effective January 1, 2016: An Overview

By P. André Katz and Erin B. Bodendorfer Katz & Stefani, LLC

Society and family dynamics have changed dramatically in the past 35 years. Three decades ago, it was still typically the mother’s primary role to care for the children, while the father provided financial support. Pursuant to societal norms, marriage was seen as a contract that should not be broken, and if either spouse or a third party caused a breakup, they could be held responsible in a court of law. Today, in many, if not most families, both parents are employed outside the home, and both share the financial and emotional responsibilities of parenting.

The IFLSC accepted that marriages do not always work out, and when a divorce takes place, the focus should be on the needs of the children and the parties, rather than on placing blame. The overall mission of the IFLSC was to rewrite the outdated Illinois IMDMA and Parentage Act, taking into consideration the diverse perspectives and professional experiences of its members.

All of the changes to the IMDMA cannot be discussed in this article, but should be carefully reviewed by all family law practitioners.

Read the full PDF: The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act Effective January 1, 2016: An Overview from the Chairman of the Illinois Family Law Study Committee