Technology and social media have significantly impacted entertainment, with content creation focusing on family life and children. However, scandals and lawsuits have led to a new law in Illinois requiring parents to compensate their children for their roles on family vlogging channels or other forms of social media. This occurrence raises questions about family law, child labor, and the ethics of family vlogging.

To navigate the unchartered waters of social media and child influencers, a family law attorney can help draft formal agreements regarding pay and keep you informed as this law changes over time.

Is It Worth It to Have Your Child on Social Media?

Social media is an impactful career with a lot of buzz. Children and parents often see the glitz and glamor but not the trouble and major impact behind the scenes. Children have a lot to worry about already, like the following: 

A prenuptial agreement, which is commonly referred to as a prenup, is a legal contract that will be signed before a couple gets married, and it can provide protection to a spouse who is entering a marriage with significant assets. Similarly, a postnuptial agreement, also called a postnup, may be created at any point during a couple’s marriage, and it may be used to protect the interests of both spouses following changes in a couple’s financial situation. These agreements can specify how a couple’s assets and debts will be divided between the parties in the event of divorce or a spouse’s death. They may also address other financial issues, such as whether either party will receive spousal support following a divorce or separation and how ownership of property will be handled during a couple’s marriage.

The Importance of an Enforceable Marital Agreement

It is crucial to ensure that prenups or postnups will be enforceable, since this will help couples avoid potential disputes during a divorce. To make sure your agreement stands up in court if challenged, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Full Disclosure: 

Both parties must provide full and accurate disclosure of their assets and liabilities at the time the agreement is made. Either person may choose to waive their right to receive a financial disclosure from the other party, but they must do so in writing. Failing to disclose all relevant financial information can render an agreement unenforceable.

Members of the military often face special challenges when they are involved in a family law case like a divorce or child custody case. They may not be able to be present in court if they are deployed or stationed far away. The SCRA was developed to protect military members from the disadvantages they face in civil court actions. As the act applies in all civil cases, family law proceedings can be impacted by the rules it establishes. Military members may need to be accommodated by the court so that they can participate in any hearings held and be a part of the decision-making process. Without this act, the parent or spouse who does not serve in the military would have a substantial and unfair advantage. If you are in the military and are involved in a family law case in the state of Illinois, The Law Office of George J. Skuros can help ensure that you receive the full protections available under the act. 

How the SCRA Can Affect Your Divorce or Custody Case

If you are a service member on active duty, it is important to know about the legal protections afforded to you under the SCRA. Facts you should know about how this important piece of legislation include: 

It is not uncommon for there to be some acrimonious feelings parents may have towards each other as they are going through a divorce. However, it is critical for the sake of their children that the parents quickly work through these emotions in order to minimize the impact they can have on how well the children adjust. Unfortunately, there are some cases where one of the parents is unable to work through these feelings and they can intensify to the point where they do everything they can to turn the children against the other parent. This is referred to as parental alienation syndrome (PAS).

What Is Parental Alienation Syndrome?

PAS is a complex and distressing phenomenon where one parent manipulates a child's feelings, perceptions, and behaviors toward the targeted parent. It involves a systematic and intentional effort to undermine the child's relationship with the targeted parent, often resulting in emotional estrangement and, in severe cases, complete rejection.

These behaviors can include negative comments, derogatory remarks, false accusations, and manipulation of information. The alienating parent may attempt to poison the child's mind, implant false memories, or engage in gatekeeping, thereby obstructing the child's access to the targeted parent. Over time, the child may develop a strong aversion or hostility towards the targeted parent, even in the absence of any valid reasons.

Paternity is the legal recognition of the father-child relationship. Establishing paternity is essential for determining the rights and responsibilities of both the father and the child. Paternity can have significant implications in various aspects of family law, including the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and child support.

How to Legally Establish Paternity 

If a married couple has a child, the husband is presumed to be the child's father, and paternity is established automatically. However, for unmarried couples, paternity must be established in one of several ways. Establishing paternity has significant benefits for the father, the mother, and the child.

Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity in Illinois

If both parents agree on who the child's father is, establishing paternity is easy. Couples can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) form, which is available in hospitals and local health departments. Both parents must sign the form.