Child Custody Lawyers Oak Brook
Child Custody Lawyers Oak Brook
Whether you are going through a divorce or some other type of relational change with your child’s other parent, it’s critical to have experienced child custody lawyers in Oak Brook on your side. Illinois law refers to child custody matters as parenting time and parental responsibility, but the concepts remain the same.Â
Sadly, some parents, attorneys, and courts sometimes fail to uphold the rights of both parents. By hiring your own child custody attorneys in Oak Brook, you can be assured that you will have your own advocate on your side.Â
Your lawyer can inform you of your legal options for parenting issues and stand up for your many legal and parental rights. If you are searching for compassionate child custody lawyers in Oak Brook, look no further than Goodman Law Firm. We will be here for you.
Parenting Time vs. Parental Responsibility in Illinois
Parents who need to reach a parenting agreement in divorce need to understand the difference between parenting time and parental responsibility. One parent can have both, both parents can share both, or one parent can have one, and the other parent can have the other.Â
Parenting time refers to the days and times when a child resides with each parent. During a parent’s assigned parenting time, he or she is obligated to directly provide for the child’s physical, emotional, and social needs. For example, they need to make arrangements for their child to have:
- Food
- Shelter
- Community involvementÂ
- School transportation
Although parenting time is typically split, some courts will award one parent more time with the child than the other for a variety of reasons. Â When you hire seasoned child custody attorneys in Oak Brook, they can help you explore your options for a joint parenting time arrangement that works for your family and your situation.Â
Parental responsibility is the right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing. The parent with this responsibility has decision-making authority regarding the child’s:
- Education
- Religion
- Extracurricular Activities
- Medical care
Most Illinois family courts want parents to have joint parental responsibility, even when a child spends most of their time with one parent.Â
It is essential to remember that the courts must be guided by what is in the child’s best interest when determining parenting matters.Â
Let Child Custody Attorneys in Oak Brook Help Your Family
Parenting matters can be some of the most contested parts of any divorce proceeding, as well it should be. It determines how the parents will raise their child, which might also impact a child’s well-being for the rest of their life.Â
At the Goodman Law Firm, we take parenting time and parental responsibility very seriously. We are keenly aware of each family’s deep emotional needs and prioritize every child’s emotional health in all of our custody cases. Our seasoned family law team offers creative solutions that can build something unexpected and new yet beneficial out of your current family situation.
We recognize that the ideal parenting situation includes both parents. Contact us today to schedule a confidential case review. We can help develop equitable solutions that allow both parents to work together for the sake of their child.
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.