Child Custody Attorney Near Me
Child Custody Attorney Near Me
Parenting concerns are some of the most emotionally challenging divorce matters, but they also arise outside of marriage and divorce. Further, many divorced parents experience a need for post-divorce modifications as their children grow and their personal circumstances evolve. If you are facing a child-related issue, it’s time to turn to an experienced child custody attorney near you.Â
Parental Responsibilities
In Illinois, child custody is called parental responsibilities and parenting time. As a parent, you face immense responsibilities, and the courts address the matter of who will be making the foundational decisions that all parents face in the course of raising their children, including:
- Decisions about where your children will make their primary home
- Decisions about your children’s education
- Decisions about the healthcare your children receive
- Decisions about the religious education your children receive
- Decisions about the travel and extracurricular activities your children participate in
While one of you may be awarded sole parental responsibilities, additional options include:
- You and your ex can hammer out these parental decisions between yourselves.Â
- You and your ex can make these decisions together, but one of you will have the ability to break a tie in those situations in which your good faith negotiations fail to resolve the issue.
- You and your ex can divide these decisions between yourselves – according to the category of decision that needs to be resolved.
It’s important to recognize that simple and everyday decisions are the responsibility of the parent who is with the kids at the time. Further, in emergency situations, whoever is available to make the necessary decisions will need to do so.
Parenting Time
Parenting time refers to what you may think of as visitation, and it sets the schedule by which you and your children’s other parent will divide your time with your children. If you are able to negotiate a mutually acceptable parenting time schedule, there is no real limit to your scheduling options. If, however, you need the court’s intervention on the matter, you should expect to receive one of its standard parenting time schedules.
Child Support
When there is a child custody concern, it is not unusual for the matter of child support to also arise. Child support is the state’s means of ensuring that you and your ex both continue to financially support your children (based on each spouse’s ability to do so). While a wide range of variables go into the child support calculation process, the primary issues are the number of overnights each parent has with the children and each parent’s income.Â
Reach Out to an Experienced Child Custody Attorney Near You
Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm is a trusted Illinois parenting time attorney who dedicates his well-respected practice to skillfully protecting the parental rights of clients like you. Your case is important, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.Â
FAQs About Divorce in Illinois
What should I do if I have been served with divorce papers?
If you have received service of divorce papers, contact an experienced divorce attorney to review the documents, understand your rights, and plan your next steps. Time is critical in divorce proceedings, and having skilled legal counsel from the start can make all the difference.
How can I prepare for my initial consultation with a divorce attorney?
Bring documents such as financial records, prenuptial agreements, and a list of any questions you have. Be prepared to discuss your relevant goals and concerns openly and honestly. The more information you provide, the better we can assess your situation and develop a strategy that serves your best interests.
How are collaborative law, mediation, and negotiation different?
- Collaborative law is a structured process where both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving the divorce without going to court. It involves open communication and cooperation, with the goal of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
- In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions to help divorcing parties reach a mutual agreement. Rather than making decisions, the mediator guides the negotiation process toward productive outcomes.
- Negotiation involves discussions between the parties directly or their attorneys to settle divorce terms. Unlike mediation, there is no neutral third party.
What should I expect during the divorce process?
The process typically involves filing for divorce, exchanging information, negotiating terms, and finalizing the agreement. If negotiations fail, courtroom litigation will become part of the process.
What happens if my spouse refuses to cooperate during the divorce?
If your spouse is uncooperative, the court may have to intervene to resolve disputes. At Goodman Law Firm, our attorney has experience in handling contentious cases and will advocate for your interests even in circumstances where spousal cooperation is limited.