At Keller Legal Services, we have worked with many Illinois families through divorce before, during, and after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What we saw in 2020 and 2021 was not just a spike in divorce filings, it was a shift in family dynamics, parenting roles, and how courts handled complex family law issues.
As lockdowns forced couples to spend more time together, stress increased, routines changed, and hidden relationship problems rose to the surface. At the same time, the slowdown in court operations, remote hearings, and economic uncertainty complicated the legal process. Even as in-person proceedings resumed, many of the issues brought to light during that time have had lasting effects.
We continue to help clients address the ripple effects of COVID-era divorces in areas like parenting time, parental alienation, and asset division. Illinois law remains the framework for resolving these disputes, but the emotional and logistical challenges that came out of the pandemic continue to shape how we approach these cases.
During the pandemic, school closures and online learning created major conflict points between divorced or divorcing parents. Questions about where the children would live, who would supervise remote schooling, and how to manage work-from-home responsibilities became urgent.
Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7, Illinois courts determine parenting time based on the best interests of the child. That includes factors such as each parent’s ability to care for the child, their past involvement, and the ability to cooperate in making decisions. During the pandemic, disagreements over COVID safety measures, education, and medical decisions often complicated this analysis.
In many cases, one parent claimed the other was using the situation to control access or limit parenting time. Courts had to balance legitimate health concerns with parental rights, and in some cases, temporary changes became permanent post-divorce arrangements.
Another significant impact we saw during the pandemic was an increase in allegations of parental alienation—where one parent claims the other is intentionally interfering with the child’s relationship with them. Under Illinois law, courts take these allegations seriously, especially when they involve manipulation or false claims to limit parenting time.
Under 750 ILCS 5/603.10, the court may issue orders to restrict parenting time if a parent’s conduct seriously endangers the child’s emotional development. This became particularly relevant when parents were accused of using the pandemic as an excuse to deny visitation or speak negatively about the other parent in front of the child.
These accusations require careful handling and substantial evidence. We work with therapists, parenting coordinators, and evaluators to present the court with a clear understanding of the child’s experience and what is in their best interest moving forward.
The pandemic caused widespread job loss and economic uncertainty. That created new challenges in dividing marital property and calculating spousal maintenance or child support. In some cases, valuations of businesses or investments dropped significantly between the start and finalization of the divorce.
Under 750 ILCS 5/503, Illinois follows an equitable distribution model for dividing property.
This means the court divides assets fairly, not necessarily equally. But fairness became harder to define when property values fluctuated, and one spouse’s income changed drastically.
Spousal maintenance, governed by 750 ILCS 5/504, was also affected. Temporary layoffs, reduced work hours, or the loss of bonuses all affected support calculations. Courts had to make reasonable predictions about future income based on uncertain conditions, and modifications were often needed months later.
During COVID, most family law proceedings in Illinois were handled remotely through video hearings. While that allowed cases to move forward, it also changed how attorneys presented evidence, questioned witnesses, and managed the emotional tone of the case.
We adjusted our strategy to fit the virtual format, ensuring that clients were prepared for remote testimony and that documents were submitted correctly. While remote hearings are still used in some counties, especially for status conferences, many litigants now prefer in-person hearings for contested matters.
Court backlogs during COVID also extended the time it took to finalize divorce cases. That delay meant temporary orders remained in place longer than usual, often leading to long-term complications in parenting schedules and temporary financial arrangements.
Even for couples who divorced before 2020, the pandemic created new grounds for post-decree disputes. Parents who needed to relocate due to work-from-home arrangements or financial hardship had to seek court approval. Others requested modifications to support orders based on job loss or medical issues.
Under 750 ILCS 5/510, either party may petition the court to modify a parenting or support order
if there is a substantial change in circumstances. The pandemic created many such changes, and courts continue to review whether those changes justify permanent alterations to the original agreement.
Many parents had to adjust their schedules due to remote learning, remote work, or health concerns. Courts often allowed temporary modifications to parenting plans. However, some parents used the pandemic to unfairly restrict access to children, leading to conflict and claims of parental alienation.
Not without a court order. Even during a public health crisis, parenting time orders remain enforceable. If a parent has legitimate concerns, they must seek a court-approved modification. Unilateral changes can lead to contempt or a restriction of parenting time under 750 ILCS 5/603.10.
You may be eligible for a modification of support under 750 ILCS 5/510. A substantial change in income, such as a job loss or wage reduction, can justify a new support amount. However, modifications are not automatic—you must file a motion with the court.
Yes. If a marital business, home, or investment account lost value during the pandemic, that may
affect how the court views equitable distribution under 750 ILCS 5/503. We work with financial experts to present accurate valuations and ensure that one spouse is not unfairly burdened.
Yes, but they require clear evidence. Courts look at the child’s behavior, communication patterns, and whether one parent has been interfering with the relationship. We often bring in child psychologists or guardians ad litem to evaluate the situation and help present your case.
Not always. While many hearings are still held remotely in some counties, contested matters, such as trials, are often held in person. If you are uncomfortable with remote testimony, we can request an in-person hearing depending on your case and the court’s procedures.
Yes, especially if the relocation affects the existing parenting schedule. If you or your co-parent needs to move due to job changes or financial pressure, the court may consider a modification if it is in the child’s best interest under 750 ILCS 5/609.2.
You may be entitled to a temporary order for support or parenting time while your case is pending. We can also request a case management conference to move the matter forward. Courts are working through backlogs, but there are ways to avoid unnecessary delay.
At Keller Legal Services, we continue to represent families impacted by COVID-era changes in divorce, parenting, and support. Whether your case began during the pandemic or new issues have arisen since, we are here to help you protect your rights and find a clear path forward.
Contact our Naperville divorce attorneys at Keller Legal Services Group by calling 630-505-1515 to receive an initial consultation. We represent clients in Naperville and throughout the greater Chicago area with experienced family law counsel grounded in Illinois law.
