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The Right of Grandparent Visitation
Grandparents often take a more active role
in raising grandchildren other than spoiling them with cookies and
money. Sometimes grandparents are one of the primary caretakers of
their grandchildren. So, what happens when a dispute with a child's
parents results in them not being able to see their grandchildren?
Illinois
passed the Grandparent Visitation Act more than two years ago, and it
gives grandparents some rights in getting visitation to the
grandchildren they have raised. However, there are many factors and
difficult legal challenges that have to be met before a grandparent can
be awarded successful visitation.
Among
the factors a court will look at is whether the parent's denial of
grandparent's visitation is unreasonable. Of course, a grandparent
probably wouldn't be seeking visitation if the denial wasn't
unreasonable. The Act lists several other factors, some of which
include the preference of the children, whether the child resided with
the grandparent in the past six months, and whether the loss of the
relationship between the child and grandparent will be likely to harm
the child's health.
However,
even though such daunting requirements, a grandparent does have an
opportunity to get access to grandchildren. Compared to previous
situations where little or no right existed, this is good news. To get
more detailed information about grandparent visitation or information
about other family law issues, contact the attorneys at Sivia Business
and Legal Services, P.C..
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Assigning Health Care Making Decisions
Because it is so hard to think about
getting hurt or sick, it's easy to put off making decisions that
dictate what should happen if something unfortunate occur. However,
making one decision about your health care could save our loved ones
the trouble of having to make difficult medical choices for you.
Creating
a durable power of attorney for health care lets you designate an agent
to make health care decisions on your behalf. This is especially useful
when you are in a situation where you cannot make the decision
yourself. If you've communicated your wishes to your agent, they would
have the authority, rather than another family member who might not
know your desires. These decisions can vary from deciding whether or
not to have continued hospitalization to the decision whether or not to
continue life-maintaining procedures.
A
durable power of attorney for health care and a living will will also
let you choose whether or not you want life sustaining measures used
when you are in a prolonged coma or other permanently incapacitated
state. You can decide your fate rather than having your friends or
family choose on your behalf. Often, without knowing your clear intent,
it could involve a heated legal battle.
These
are just some of the issues that are involved in thinking about estate
planning issues. To discuss your estate planning options, contact the
attorneys at Sivia Business and Legal Services, P.C. They can help you
ensure that your health, property and family are cared for when you are
no longer able to care for them yourself.
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Services we offer under Family Law
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Representation for Marriage Dissolution
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Modifying Child Custody and Child Support Orders.
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Adoptions
Services we offer under Estate Planning
- Drafting Wills and Trusts
- Preparing Financial and Medical Powers of Attorney
- Probate court representation
- Financial and Benefit planning
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