Blog

Being qualified to handle a case does not always mean it is the right case for your practice. Drawing on nearly two decades in family law and her recent work teaching practice building, Erin Birt reflects on professional discipline, defining a clear North Star, and knowing when saying no can create room for the work that matters most.

Wondering whether you'll receive equal parenting time? This article explains how Illinois courts determine parenting schedules, why preparation often matters more than conflict, and how parents can create child-focused parenting plans.

Many parents fear divorce means losing meaningful time with their children. This article explains how Illinois determines parenting time, what research says about conflict and children's emotional security, and how thoughtful preparation and strategic negotiations often protect parent-child relationships better than unnecessary litigation.

A scholarship recipient's story offers three meaningful lessons about how divorce affects children and what parents can do to help them feel safe, loved, and supported.

Illinois child support laws are changing in 2027. Learn how the new parenting time tiers, overnight equivalents, and support calculations may affect parents, mediation, and future child support discussions.

Katie’s story offers a powerful look at the lasting emotional impact divorce can have on children and families. Through honesty, resilience, and emotional insight, her essay reflects why child-centered communication, emotional awareness, and healthier pathways through divorce matter so deeply for parents navigating family transition in DuPage County.

Learn why many divorces in Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and the Chicago suburbs escalate faster than families intended. Erin Birt discusses fear, conflict, mediation, co-parenting, and structured divorce options in Illinois.

In March, Erin Birt participated in a national convening focused on rethinking divorce beyond the traditional adversarial system. This reflection shares key insights on why the current process often escalates conflict and how a more flexible, family-centered approach may better serve parents and children.

A DuPage County scholarship story highlighting how one student turned the experience of divorce into resilience, perspective, and a path toward helping others.

Most divorce cases in DuPage County settle before trial. Learn how mediation and pretrial conferences work, why preparation matters, and how seeing the courtroom can shift perspective and improve outcomes.

Thoughtful guidance for parents in DuPage County and across Illinois navigating divorce with clarity, intention, and long-term vision. Our blog explores preparation, decision-making, and restorative pathways for families building a stable future beyond divorce.

Each January, headlines reappear claiming the first Monday of the year is “Divorce Day.” While the phrase may generate attention, it does not reflect how divorce decisions actually unfold for families.

Families deserve clarity and simplicity, not courtroom stress. My latest blog explores how Collaborative Divorce combined with practical tools like The Kitchen Table Divorce® e-book and the 90-Day Restorative Divorce® Workbook can help parents reduce conflict and move forward with confidence.

Illinois mediator Erin Birt explains how TalkingParents helps parents communicate more effectively, manage schedules, and build stable co-parenting habits.

For years, Erin has helped families navigate separation and co-parenting with compassion. Along the way, she has seen how deeply children feel these changes and how much they need gentle support. We're excited to share how that work inspired her upcoming children’s book, Rudy & Ali: A Listening Ear & A Cozy Corner, releasing Nov. 25, 2025.

Families deserve more than short-term fixes. My latest blog, From Crisis Triage to Restorative Divorce® Systems, reflects on what I learned volunteering at a courthouse help desk. While emergency programs can provide momentary relief, they don’t give families the clarity, stability, and dignity they truly need. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to building systems like Restorative Divorce® that replace reactive measures with structured, proactive guidance for parents and children.

You don’t have to wait for the other parent to change. By learning to self-regulate, set healthy boundaries, and notice patterns before they escalate, you can reclaim your peace and give your children the stability they deserve.

In divorce, silence can cost more than words. Learn how noticing pauses, patterns, and the unspoken helps create agreements that last and guides families forward with clarity.

Fall routines often reveal hidden gaps in parenting plans. This blog explains why back-to-school season is the ideal time for Illinois parents to revisit schedules, prepare for holidays, and avoid court delays. Learn how Restorative Divorce® provides the analysis and strategies that DIY attempts, the court system, or ChatGPT simply can’t deliver.

After 20 years in family law, I declined a high-paying case when it became clear the couple sought a rushed, court-ordered “checkbox” mediation rather than genuine resolution. Protecting the integrity of my Restorative Divorce® process mattered more than the fee, ensuring the work I do remains structured, child-focused, and built for lasting outcomes.

Mediation isn’t magic, it’s a guided process. This article explores three key factors that consistently lead to productive, respectful outcomes during divorce.

What happens when one person isn’t ready to engage? This story explores why mediation can break down and how clarity still begins with structure.

A fresh look at what happens to pets in Illinois divorce cases. This 2025 update explains how courts handle pet ownership under current law, why visitation isn't enforceable, and how mediation offers practical solutions for pet lovers.

Birt Family Law introduces the Restorative Divorce® Pathway Scholarship, an original $2,500 award for Illinois students who’ve experienced parental divorce or separation. This initiative honors personal growth, resilience, and the power of sharing one’s story.

Summer offers a unique window to begin the divorce process quietly, thoughtfully, and without court pressure. In this post, we explore why starting during the slower months can benefit both parents and children—before the busy school year returns.