Family Law Frontline

Modifying Custody or Parenting Time in Illinois: When Can You Go Back to Court?

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Family Law Frontline*Fedor Kozlov discusses the process of modifying parenting plans in family law cases. He explains the key aspects of pre-judgment and post-judgment child custody matters, emphasizing significant changes in circumstances required for court modifications. Fedor also cautions against relying solely on tools like Chad GPT for legal matters, stressing the importance of understanding the legal implications involved.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:30 – Pre vs. Post-judgment child custody
05:45 – Role of decision-making in child custody
08:20 – Significance of post-judgment modifications
11:15 – Cautionary note on using Chad GPT
14:00 – Factors necessitating modification of allocation judgment
17:30 – Considerations for parental relocations
21:10 – Importance of child's best interests in custody decisions
24:45 – Encouraging parental negotiation and communication
About the Show:
*Family Law Frontline* provides valuable insights into navigating complex family law issues, offering expert guidance on child custody, divorce, and related legal matters. Join Fedor Kozlov and his team as they share practical advice and strategies for resolving family law disputes effectively.

Domestic Violence and Child Custody in Illinois: How Abuse Allegations Impact Parenting Time

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Family Law Frontline, Attorney Fedor Kozlov discusses how allegations of domestic violence can complicate custody disputes. Drawing from his experience in family law and his early work supporting real victims of domestic abuse, Fedor explains the differences between criminal and civil orders of protection, why many are misused, and how they affect custody, visitation, and communication between parents. He also highlights how some parties misuse protection orders for leverage during divorce and what families should understand before seeking one.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Overview of how domestic violence impacts custody cases01:30 – Why Fedor Kozlov questions the effectiveness of orders of protection03:00 – Difference between criminal and civil protection orders05:00 – Common misuse of orders and how they complicate custody cases07:00 – The impact of protection orders on co-parenting and visitation09:30 – When emotional conflict drives protection orders instead of real danger11:00 – Understanding “no contact orders” as an alternative solution13:00 – Common violations and the legal consequences of breaking orders15:00 – How some spouses misuse protection orders for property advantage17:00 – Why misuse of legal protections can hurt genuine victims
About the Show:
The Family Law Frontline with Attorney Fedor Kozlov explores the complex realities of divorce and family law. Each episode helps families navigate sensitive issues like custody, domestic violence, and property division with clarity, fairness, and practical legal insight.

Dividing a Business in Divorce: How Illinois Courts Handle Ownership and Protection

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Family Law Frontline, Attorney Fedor Kozlov breaks down how business owners can protect what they’ve built during a divorce. He explains what qualifies as marital property, how commingling assets can impact ownership, and how courts evaluate and divide business assets. Fedor also covers critical issues like dissipation of marital assets, Chancery cases, and the legal ways business owners can safeguard their companies before and during divorce proceedings.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Understanding how business ownership affects divorce settlements01:30 – What counts as marital vs. non-marital property03:00 – How commingling turns separate assets into marital property05:00 – When both spouses co-own a business and the challenges of dividing it07:30 – Licensing issues for professionals like lawyers and doctors09:00 – How business valuation works and who performs it10:30 – The difference between business value and cash flow11:45 – Protecting business assets before and during a divorce13:00 – Dissipation of marital assets explained14:30 – Discovery process: uncovering hidden assets and financial activity15:00 – Using Chancery Court to resolve business partnership disputes in divorce16:00 – Common tactics used to hide or transfer business assets17:00 – Creative ways to settle business ownership fairly without breaking the law
About the Show:
The Family Law Frontline with Attorney Fedor Kozlov dives into the complex realities of family and divorce law. Each episode helps individuals navigate legal challenges involving custody, property division, and marital assets with clarity and confidence.

Appealing a Family Court Ruling in Illinois: What Parents Should Know

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Family Law Frontline, Attorney Fedor Kozlov breaks down what really happens when you want to appeal a family court ruling in Illinois. He explains when appeals are possible, common procedural mistakes that can ruin your case, and what it takes to win on appeal. Fedor also shares a real case update involving DCFS allegations and offers practical advice for parents, spouses, and anyone navigating the complex family court system.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Fedor shares a quick DCFS case update involving false allegations against a daycare teacher.02:30 – When clients typically ask about filing an appeal and why timing matters.04:00 – Why agreed judgments can’t be appealed unless coercion is proven.06:00 – The process of filing a notice of appeal and what makes a judgment “final.”08:30 – How missed objections or unrecorded steps can cost you the right to appeal.10:30 – Why having everything on record is crucial to preserving your case.12:30 – Why appellate judges rarely overturn a trial judge’s factual decisions.14:30 – What happens if the court allows your case to be heard in person and why it matters.15:30 – Fedor reflects on the challenges and rewards of appellate work.
About the Show:The Family Law Frontline with Attorney Fedor Kozlov explores real issues in Illinois family law—from custody disputes and divorce to appeals and complex litigation. With over a decade of courtroom experience, Fedor brings clear, practical insights for anyone navigating family legal battles.

: Can a Child Refuse Visitation in Illinois? What Parents Need to Know About Custody and Parenting Time

Episode Summary
In this episode, Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov explains what happens when a child refuses visitation and how courts handle cases involving parental alienation. Fedor shares real examples from his practice, discussing why children may resist visitation, the signs of manipulation, and the court’s approach to reunification therapy. He also explains how severe alienation can lead to major legal and financial consequences for the parent responsible.
 
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Opening update: international custody case and jurisdiction challenges03:00 – When a child refuses visitation and what it means for parents05:00 – What is parental alienation and how it’s proven in court07:30 – Signs a child is being coached or influenced10:00 – Reunification therapy: purpose, process, and cost13:00 – How judges and guardians determine the child’s best interests15:00 – Severe alienation cases and when reunification fails17:00 – Financial and legal penalties for alienating a child19:00 – Final thoughts: protecting the child’s emotional well-being
About the Show
Family Law Frontline with attorney Fedor Kozlov dives into real issues faced in Illinois family law — from custody and visitation to property division and domestic disputes. Each episode breaks down complex legal topics into clear, practical advice for families navigating the court system.

Who Gets the Embryos? Reproductive Custody Battles After Divorce

Episode Summary
In this episode, Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov unpacks one of the most groundbreaking legal cases in the state involving frozen embryos and divorce. As the lead trial and appellate attorney in the In re Katsap case, Kozlov explains how Illinois courts weighed the rights of each parent when deciding who controls embryos during a divorce. He discusses the unique legal, ethical, and emotional challenges these cases present, including parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and child support implications.
Listeners will gain an inside look at how this precedent-setting case reshaped Illinois family law, what it means for couples facing similar disputes, and why frozen embryo litigation remains an evolving legal issue nationwide.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Frozen Embryo Disputes02:15 – Background of the Case05:00 – Trial Court Decision07:30 – Appeal and Jurisdictional Issues10:00 – Appellate Court Ruling12:45 – Child Support Implications15:00 – Contract Law vs. Family Law17:30 – Broader Legal Impact
About the Show:
Family Law Frontline with Fedor Kozlov is a podcast dedicated to helping families navigate the most complex and emotional legal challenges, from custody disputes and property division to domestic violence and reproductive rights. Hosted by Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov, the show offers practical guidance, real case insights, and compassionate perspective for parents facing high-stakes family law matters.

Complex Parenting Cases: Teens, Conflicts, and Custody Gray Areas

Episode Summary
In this episode, Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov breaks down the complexities of parenting cases involving teenagers and high-conflict custody disputes. He explains how factors like a child’s age, school location, financial pressures, and parental cooperation impact custody litigation. Kozlov also addresses decision-making authority, the myth of 50/50 custody, parental alienation, and how courts weigh teenagers’ preferences in custody cases.
Key Timestamps
00:01 – Introduction to complex custody cases00:03 – How age differences between siblings complicate parenting arrangements00:06 – Financial pressures, housing issues, and custody litigation00:08 – Why “50/50 custody” does not exist under Illinois law00:12 – Court decision-making when parents cannot compromise00:14 – Jealousy, new partners, and common disputes in custody cases00:16 – Importance of transparency and communication between parents00:18 – How courts address teenagers’ preferences in custody disputes00:19 – The impact of parental alienation and divorce on children
About the Show:
Family Law Frontline with Fedor Kozlov is a podcast dedicated to helping families navigate the most complex and emotional legal challenges, from custody disputes and property division to domestic violence and reproductive rights. Hosted by Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov, the show offers practical guidance, real case insights, and compassionate perspective for parents facing high-stakes family law matters.

What Happens When DCFS Gets Involved in Your Custody Case?

Episode Summary
In this episode of Family Law Frontline, attorney Fedor Kozlov breaks down what happens when the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is called. With over a decade of experience handling high-stakes family law cases, Fedor explains the investigative process, the risks parents face, and the life-altering consequences of being “indicated.” He shares real-life case examples, highlights the importance of legal representation, and provides insights into how DCFS policies have shifted over time.
This episode serves as a critical resource for parents, caregivers, daycare providers, and professionals navigating the complex intersection of family law and child protection services.
Key Timestamps
00:45 – Why DCFS cases are so common and controversial in Illinois02:20 – How DCFS investigations work and the pressure to close cases quickly05:10 – Mandatory reporting: teachers, hospitals, and police involvement07:30 – Risks of speaking to DCFS investigators without legal guidance09:50 – How protective custody works and when children can be removed immediately12:15 – Burden of proof in DCFS investigations versus criminal court14:30 – Case example: daycare owner loses license after a child leaves the premises16:40 – Case example: cultural conflicts, suicide attempt, and DCFS intervention19:20 – The long-term consequences of being “indicated” and how it impacts careers20:50 – Why legal defense is essential when DCFS gets involved
About the Show:
Family Law Frontline with Fedor Kozlov is a podcast dedicated to helping families navigate the most complex and emotional legal challenges, from custody disputes and property division to domestic violence and reproductive rights. Hosted by Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov, the show offers practical guidance, real case insights, and compassionate perspective for parents facing high-stakes family law matters.

What Are a Child’s Rights in a Custody Battle?

Episode Summary:In this premiere episode of Family Law Frontline, founding partner and chief litigator Fedor Kozlov discusses one of the most sensitive areas of family law: children’s rights in custody disputes. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in Illinois family law, Fedor explains how custody battles unfold, the role of guardians ad litem (GALs), and why the concept of the “best interest of the child” is so complex. He also shares how his work with victims of domestic violence shaped his career, why family law evolves faster than other legal fields, and the challenges of separating professional advocacy from emotional involvement. Listeners will gain valuable insight into how courts view children’s voices, what rights minors do and don’t have in custody cases, and why parents should resolve disputes outside of court whenever possible.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show introduction and welcome02:05 – Fedor Kozlov’s personal journey into family law06:40 – Why family law evolves differently than criminal law10:15 – The emotional challenges of custody disputes14:00 – A real-life custody case and how appeals shape family law precedent19:25 – Do children have legal rights in custody battles?23:40 – The role of therapists and reunification in custody disputes27:10 – Why children’s wishes are not the same as legal rights31:20 – How a child’s preference impacts custody as they grow older36:05 – What does a guardian ad litem (GAL) do in family law cases?41:15 – Why parents should avoid leaving custody decisions to judges44:30 – Closing thoughts and call to action
About the Show:
Family Law Frontline with Fedor Kozlov is a podcast dedicated to helping families navigate the most complex and emotional legal challenges, from custody disputes and property division to domestic violence and reproductive rights. Hosted by Illinois family law attorney Fedor Kozlov, the show offers practical guidance, real case insights, and compassionate perspective for parents facing high-stakes family law matters.