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Erin E. Masters: Advancing Family Law Practice with the 2026 Edition of Child-Related Issues in Dissolution Actions

Family law is one of the most dynamic areas of legal practice, particularly when it comes to child-related issues in dissolution actions. These cases require not only a comprehensive understanding of statutes and case law but also a deep sensitivity to the impact of legal decisions on children and families. 

For over five decades, the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE®) has provided attorneys with authoritative guidance through its series of practice handbooks. Among these resources, FAMILY LAW: CHILD-RELATED ISSUES IN DISSOLUTION ACTIONS stands out as an essential reference for practitioners across Illinois.

The 2026 edition continues this legacy, and it is with great pride that we recognize the significant contributions of Erin E. Masters to this latest edition. Erin’s experience in family law, particularly in matters relating to children, has made this handbook a comprehensive, practical, and indispensable resource for attorneys navigating the challenges of dissolution actions.

A Legacy of Excellence in Family Law Resources

2026 Edition of Child-Related Issues in Dissolution Actions

IICLE® has long been recognized for producing high-quality, user-friendly legal handbooks that have guided Illinois attorneys through complex legal landscapes. For over 50 years, these resources have helped legal professionals stay current with statutory changes, judicial trends, and best practices in the field. 

The Child-Related Issues in Dissolution Actions handbook has been a cornerstone of this effort, providing detailed analysis and actionable guidance on matters including custody, visitation, child support, parental responsibilities, and the allocation of decision-making authority.

Each edition of this handbook is carefully crafted to reflect the most current developments in Illinois family law. By contributing to the 2026 edition, Erin E. Masters has helped ensure that attorneys have access to the most up-to-date guidance on critical issues affecting children in dissolution proceedings. Her work exemplifies the intersection of scholarly rigor and practical application, making complex legal concepts accessible and actionable for practitioners.

Erin E. Masters: Expertise and Impact

Erin E. Masters is widely respected in the legal community for her extensive knowledge of family law. Her practice focuses on complex family law matters, with a particular emphasis on cases involving children. Erin’s contributions to the 2026 edition of Child-Related Issues in Dissolution Actions reflect not only her legal knowledge but also her commitment to providing resources that empower attorneys to better serve their clients.

In the 2026 edition, Erin addresses a wide range of child-related issues, providing clear explanations, practical strategies, and references to relevant statutes and case law. Her work helps ensure that attorneys can approach custody disputes, visitation conflicts, and child support matters with confidence, equipped with insights drawn from years of experience in the courtroom and in practice.

Some of the areas highlighted in Erin’s contributions include:

  1. Custody and Decision-Making Authority: Erin provides detailed guidance on determining custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child, including joint versus sole custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, and the practical considerations attorneys must evaluate when advising clients.
  2. Visitation and Parenting Time: The handbook offers comprehensive strategies for addressing visitation schedules, parenting time modifications, and resolving conflicts, helping attorneys advocate effectively while minimizing disruption to the child’s routine.
  3. Child Support and Financial Considerations: Erin’s work has helped ensure that practitioners have a clear understanding of how child support is calculated, including considerations for special needs, healthcare, education, and extraordinary expenses. Her guidance assists attorneys in protecting their clients’ financial interests while ensuring the child’s welfare is prioritized.
  4. Emerging Trends and Legal Developments: Family law is constantly evolving, and Erin addresses emerging issues such as the recognition of non-traditional families, the impact of relocation on custody arrangements, and recent appellate decisions that influence family law practice in Illinois.
  5. Practical Tools and Checklists: One of the hallmarks of Erin’s contribution is her emphasis on practical utility. The handbook includes sample forms, checklists, and step-by-step guidance to help attorneys streamline case preparation and client counseling.

Continuing the Tradition of Excellence

By contributing to this edition, Erin E. Masters has helped IICLE® maintain its reputation for producing first-rate, practice-oriented legal resources. Attorneys across Illinois rely on these handbooks to navigate complex family law matters, and Erin’s work helps ensure that the 2026 edition continues to meet this high standard. Her authorship reflects a commitment not only to the law but also to the attorneys and clients who benefit from clear, actionable guidance.

The 2026 edition also demonstrates a thoughtful integration of theory and practice. Erin’s writing balances detailed legal analysis with practical advice, ensuring that attorneys are not only informed about the law but also equipped to apply it effectively in real-world scenarios. This approach makes the handbook an indispensable tool for both seasoned practitioners and those.

Final Thoughts

2026 Edition of Child-Related Issues in Dissolution Actions (1)

The release of the 2026 edition of FAMILY LAW: CHILD-RELATED ISSUES IN DISSOLUTION ACTIONS marks another milestone in the ongoing tradition of excellence established by IICLE®. Erin E. Masters’ contributions are a testament to her expertise, dedication, and commitment to advancing the practice of family law in Illinois.

Through her work, attorneys now have access to a comprehensive, user-friendly, and highly practical resource that addresses the full spectrum of child-related issues in dissolution actions. From custody and visitation to child support and emerging legal developments, this handbook provides the guidance necessary to navigate even the most complex family law matters with confidence and competence.

For Illinois attorneys looking to enhance their practice, stay current with legal developments, and better serve their clients, the 2026 edition of Child-Related Issues in Dissolution Actions is an indispensable resource. Erin E. Masters’ authorship ensures that this handbook continues to be a cornerstone of family law practice, supporting attorneys and ultimately benefiting the children and families who rely on the legal system for guidance and protection.

If you or a loved one is facing family law matters involving children, Erin E. Masters and the team at Masters Law Group are here to provide guidance, personalized support, and strategic representation.

Contact Masters Law Group today to discuss your family law needs and help ensure your family’s best interests are protected.

Child Support Enforcement and the Hague Convention on Recovery of International Child Support

The Hague Convention provides an expeditious method to return a child internationally abducted by a parent from one member country to another. The Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support is a multilateral treaty governing the enforcement of judicial decisions regarding child support (and other forms of family support) extraterritorially.

Relationships between families from different countries and cultures can be complex, especially when a children’s well-being and financial support are involved. In fact, there are approximately 15 million child support cases in the United States, including an estimated 150,000 international cases. In cases where parents reside in different countries, ensuring child support can become even more challenging. With the growing number of international families, there is an uptick in international parental child abductions where parents illegally take their child or children overseas without the other parent’s consent.

The Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (“The Hague Convention”) was enacted into law through the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (“ICARA”) which provides that a parent whose child has been wrongfully removed from or retained in the United States may petition for the child’s return to his or her country of habitual residence.

The Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, also referred to as the Hague Maintenance Convention or the Hague Child Support Convention is a multilateral treaty governing the enforcement of judicial decisions regarding child support (and other forms of family support) extraterritorially. It is one of a number of conventions in the area of private international law of the Hague Conference on Private International Law in 2007.

Understanding Hague Child Support Convention

The Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (HCCH 2007 Child Support Convention) and the Protocol of 23 November 2007 on the Law Applicable to Maintenance Obligations (HCCH 2007 Maintenance Obligations Protocol) seeks to establish a modern, efficient and accessible international system for the cross-border recovery of child support and other forms of family maintenance. This specialized section contains a range of information on the Convention and the Protocol, including their full texts, current status, explanatory documents and other materials which will assist those working with these instruments.

This is the first global child support treaty ratified by the United States. It contains groundbreaking provisions that, for the first time on a world-wide scale, establish uniform, inexpensive, and effective procedures for the processing of international child support cases.

Key Areas of the Hague Child Support Convention

A few highlights from the Hague Child Support Convention:

  • The Convention provides a legal framework and administrative procedures that are both ground breaking and results-oriented.
  • The Convention will greatly speed up the enforcement of U.S. orders. It limits the circumstances under which a court can review and object to an order. It requires recognition of a U.S. order unless a respondent timely raises a challenge and it limits available objections that the respondent may raise to those similar to ones now allowed under U.S. law.
  • The Convention recognizes U.S. due process requirements. It allows a challenge to recognition of a foreign support order if there was a lack of notice and an opportunity for a hearing. It allows a challenge if the order does not comply with U.S. jurisdictional rules. And it allows a court to refuse recognition of an order if it is manifestly incompatible with public policy.
  • The Convention requires treaty countries to provide free legal assistance in child support cases. As you know, Title IV-D agencies in the U.S. already provide such assistance. Now other Convention countries must provide cost-free services to U.S. residents.
  • The Convention provides standardized procedures and timeframes. Each Convention country must follow certain procedures to recognize and enforce child support orders. They must meet certain timeframes for allowing a challenge to an order and for providing status updates. Additionally, there are recommended standardized forms that will reduce the need for a country to request additional information.

Determine the Applicable Countries

In order to navigate international child support, it is crucial to determine which countries are involved in your specific situation. The Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance was ratified by the United States Senate in 2010 and the treaty was signed in August of 2016.  The Hague Convention entered into full force in the Unites States on January 1, 2017, with 33 countries agreeing to work together to establish and enforce child support orders across international borders – since then, more countries have proceeded with the ratification process and are joining the effort. 

Central Authority Involvement

In navigating international child support cases under the Hague Convention, the involvement of the Central Authority is crucial. The Central Authority in your country is a key facilitator responsible for communication and coordination between the parties involved. They act as the vital link between the applicant and the Central Authority of the other participating country, streamlining the exchange of information and ensuring the smooth progress of the case.

One of the primary roles of the Central Authority is to assist in locating the obligor, the parent responsible for paying child support. They employ various mechanisms and resources to find the obligor. This includes:

  • Collaborating with relevant authorities.
  • Conducting investigations.
  • Utilizing international cooperation channels and more.

This process is essential to establish contact with the obligor and initiate legal proceedings. Additionally, the Central Authority aids in obtaining and transmitting relevant documents necessary to the case. These documents can include court orders, financial statements, and other evidence related to child support obligations. The Central Authority ensures that all necessary paperwork is prepared correctly and shared with the Central Authority of the other participating country. By doing so, they can maintain a clear and transparent flow of information.

Obtaining a Hague Child Support Convention Order

After locating the obligor, the Central Authority takes the necessary steps to initiate legal proceedings in the foreign country. They aim to obtain a child support order that outlines the amount and method of child support payments. This order must align with the laws of both the issuing and recipient countries to ensure its enforceability across borders.

Once the Central Authority has successfully obtained the child support order, they actively enforce it within the foreign country. To secure compliance, authorities can employ various enforcement measures, such as wage garnishment or intercepting tax refunds. Through these measures, the Central Authority ensures that the recipient receives the child support payments as directed by the order. By overseeing the entire process, the Central Authority plays a critical role in facilitating the effective transfer of financial support.

The U.S. Department of State can also help enforce International child Support by:

  1. Providing information through the Consular Affairs Internet home page;
  2. Denying passport services, except for direct return to the United States, to persons the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Support Enforcement (HHS/ACF/OCSE) certifies as $2500 or more in arrears;
  3. Encouraging foreign countries to join the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (Hague Child Support Convention); and
  4. Facilitating communication among parents, U.S. states, foreign countries, and other U.S. Government agencies on this important subject.

Finally, working alongside a trusted family law attorney who is highly experienced in international law and The Hague Convention is essential when dealing with international matters involving children. They can help you navigate this minefield and give practical, realistic advice on outcomes of your case.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal assistance is crucial in effectively navigating international child support cases. When you partner with an experienced family law attorney, such as those at Masters Law Group, you gain the support needed to advocate for your interests and secure your child’s financial stability. Our attorneys will guide you through the process, ensuring that necessary adjustments to child support payments are made whenever necessary.

Erin Masters and Anthony Joseph have extensive experience in cases involving international child custody disputes in both courts located in the State of Illinois and the United States federal court system. By providing ongoing support that aligns with your family’s evolving needs, we help you safeguard your child’s well-being, even in situations across international borders. With the right legal help, you can confidently navigate the complexities of international child support and protect your child’s interests.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the complex landscape of international child support can be a challenging endeavor. The Hague Convention on Child Support offers a vital framework that empowers parents to obtain what is legally owed. At Masters Law Group, we understand the complexities involved in international child support matters. We are here to provide unwavering advocacy for you and your family. Our team will tirelessly work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

If you have been denied child support from a parent overseas, we can help hold the delinquent parent accountable and guide you on this frightening journey every step of the way.

Contact us here today to set up a consultation.