Child Custody Attorneys Elmhurst
Child Custody Attorneys Elmhurst
If you have a legal concern that is related to parenting time or responsibilities, it directly affects your parental rights. Parenting time issues are common in divorce, post-decree modification cases, and to parenting outside of marriage and divorce. In other words, parenting concerns are primary family law matters, which makes working closely with an experienced child custody attorney in Elmhurst from the outset well advised.
Parental Responsibilities
Illinois has done away with language related to child custody and, instead, addresses the matter of parental responsibilities, which addresses both parental decision-making authority and parenting time (what you may think of as physical custody or visitation). The decision-making component of these responsibilities determines who will be making important parenting decisions on behalf of your children moving forward, including major decisions like the following:
- Decisions about your children’s schooling
- Decisions about your children’s health care
- Decisions about your children’s extracurriculars
- Decisions about your children’s religious upbringing
You and your children’s other parent can address this parental responsibility in any of the following ways:
- You and your children’s other parent can make all the primary decisions together.
- You and your children’s other parent can make all the primary decisions together, while one of you retains the authority to break a tie if you become seriously deadlocked.
- One of you can take on the sole responsibility of making these primary decisions on your own.
- You and your children’s other parent can split this responsibility according to the kind of decision that is being made.
For those routine decisions that parents run up against on a nearly constant basis (such as what’s for lunch?), however, the parent who has the children at the time is tasked with making the decisions.
Parenting Time
Parenting time is the time you and your children’s other parent spend with your children. You may divide your parenting time quite evenly between the two of you, or one of you may take on the role of the primary custodial parent while the other has a visitation schedule. If you are able to find common ground between yourselves – and do not require the court’s intervention – you’ll have the leeway to create a unique parenting time schedule that works for you. If you are unable to hammer out terms that you can both agree to, however, you will very likely receive one of the court’s standard parenting time schedules in your parenting plan.
Turn to the Professional Legal Guidance of an Experienced Child Custody Attorney in Elmhurst
Legal concerns that involve parenting time have the potential – because they involve your children – to become exceptionally contentious, and protecting your parental rights throughout the legal process is paramount. Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm – proudly serving Elmhurst, Illinois – is a seasoned child custody attorney who dedicates his impressive practice to helping parents like you successfully resolve their parenting time concerns. With offices in Oak Brook, Illinois, Cameron H. Goodman is a divorce lawyer near you ready to handle your family law matter. Your case is important, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.
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.