When parents separate, the question that matters most to many of them is simple: where will the children live, and how much time will each parent spend with them? In Illinois, this is called the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, and it is one of the most important decisions a family court can make.
Illinois no longer uses the term “child custody” the way it once did. Instead, the law divides the issue into two parts. First, the court decides who makes major decisions about the child’s upbringing — education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Second, the court sets a parenting time schedule that determines where the child is on any given day. Both decisions are guided by one standard above all: the best interests of the child.
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Judges look at a range of factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and the practical realities of distance and work schedules. A child custody lawyer can help you present these factors in a way the court can act on.
We recently represented a father whose girlfriend became pregnant and later gave birth to their daughter. Unknown to our client, the mother was married and had two other children with her husband, and he knew nothing about the pregnancy. After the baby was born, she refused to allow the father any contact with his daughter, forcing him to file a petition for allocation of parental responsibilities. At the hearing, the judge awarded the father three overnights per week and 50-50 parenting time during the summers.
Every family’s situation is different, and no two cases end the same way. But that outcome shows why it is worth understanding your rights and acting promptly rather than waiting. If you are looking for custody lawyers near me, an experienced family law firm can help you understand where you stand.
Parenting time and child support often go hand in hand. The amount of time each parent spends with the child is one factor in how support is calculated. If your schedule changes, it may be worth reviewing your arrangement with a child support attorney so the numbers reflect your current reality.
Our firm helps parents throughout the region, including Palos Hills, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Lemont, La Grange, Mokena, Frankfort, Homer Glen, Burr Ridge, Oak Brook, Naperville, Darien, Westmont, Hinsdale, Lisle, Western Springs, and Willow Springs. If you have questions about child custody or parenting time, contact our office today.