The New and Improved Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act

The overhaul of Illinois’ Marriage, Divorce, and Parentage laws was long overdue. Public Act 99-0090, the rewrite of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (“IMDMA”) and Public Act 99-0085, the rewrite of the Parentage Act, were enacted this summer and both effective on January 1, 2016. The prior outdated Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was enacted in 1977 and the Parentage Act was enacted in 1984.

Society and family dynamics have changed dramatically in the past 35 years. Three decades ago, it was still typically the mother’s 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.

Read the full PDF: The New and Improved Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act