Oak Brook Child Custody Attorney Serving the Chicagoland Area
Few legal matters carry more emotional weight than a dispute over your children. Whether you are going through a divorce, separating from a partner, or dealing with a parenting plan that is no longer working, the stakes are high, and the process can feel uncertain. At Goodman Law Firm, we understand what is on the line for you and your family.
Skilled Child Custody Representation in the Chicagoland Area
Goodman Law Firm represents mothers and fathers throughout the greater Chicago area in custody matters, parenting time disputes, allocation of parental responsibilities, paternity actions, and child support. We bring more than 20 years of family law experience to every case we handle, and we take a focused, personal approach to each client’s situation.
Our goal is straightforward: protect your relationship with your children and work toward a resolution that serves their best interests.
Who We Help
Child custody issues arise in many different circumstances. We regularly work with:
- Divorcing parents who need help deciding where their children will live, how parenting time will be divided, and who will have decision-making authority over health, education, religion, and extracurricular activities.
- Parents who were never married and need formal court orders establishing paternity, parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support.
- Parents dealing with violations or outdated plans, including situations where the other parent is not following the current parenting plan or where a significant change in circumstances makes the existing schedule unworkable.
- Parents facing relocation or long-distance arrangements where one parent wants to move, or the parties already live far apart, creating practical issues around school enrollment, travel schedules, and regular exchanges.
- Parents in disputed custody situations who cannot agree on parenting time, school choice, healthcare decisions, safety concerns, or what living arrangement truly serves the child.
The Child Custody Process in Illinois
Illinois law has moved away from traditional custody labels. Courts no longer use terms like “sole custody” or “joint custody” in the same way. Instead, the focus is on two key questions: who will be responsible for significant decisions, and how will parenting time be allocated.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, parents must address the allocation of parental responsibilities, which covers major decisions about education, religion, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. These responsibilities can be shared between both parents or assigned primarily to one, depending on the circumstances and the child’s best interests.
Parenting Time
Parenting time refers to the specific days and hours each parent spends with the child. Courts expect parents to submit a parenting plan that addresses the regular weekly schedule, holidays, school breaks, and special occasions. If parents agree, the plan they create together can be submitted for court approval. If they cannot agree, a judge will decide.
The Best Interests of the Child
Every custody decision in Illinois centers on the best interests of the child. Courts consider factors including each parent’s relationship with the child, each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the child’s adjustment to home and school, the mental and physical health of everyone involved, and, in some cases, the child’s own preferences based on their age and maturity.
When Parents Cannot Agree
If parents cannot reach an agreement on their own, the court may order custody mediation as a first step. If mediation does not resolve the dispute, a Guardian Ad Litem or Child’s Representative may be appointed. Ultimately, if no agreement is reached, a judge will set a trial date and determine the terms of the parenting plan.
Parenting Plans Are Required
Illinois courts require divorcing parents to submit a proposed parenting plan within four months of filing for divorce. Having an attorney involved early in this process helps you understand your options, present your position clearly, and protect your parental rights from the start.
Why Choose Us
Child custody cases are not handled the same way at every firm. At Goodman Law Firm, we offer:
- Direct attorney involvement. We accept a select number of cases at a time, so your attorney remains your primary point of contact throughout the process.
- Clear legal guidance. We explain Illinois custody law in plain terms so you understand your rights and what to expect at each stage.
- A strategy built around your situation. No two custody cases are alike. We take the time to understand your goals, your children’s needs, and the facts of your specific case before recommending a course of action.
- A focus on efficient resolution. Prolonged disputes take a toll on parents and children alike. We work to resolve custody matters as efficiently as possible while still fighting for the right outcome.
- Mediation and collaborative options. When both parties are open to it, we explore settlement-focused alternatives that reduce conflict and give parents more control over the outcome.
- Experienced courtroom advocacy. When court action is necessary, we are fully prepared. We build every case with the expectation that it may go to trial, and we represent our clients with skill and determination.
Contact Us For Help
Your children’s well-being is too important to leave to chance. If you are facing a custody dispute or need help establishing a parenting arrangement, Goodman Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you through this process.
FAQs About Child Custody in Illinois
Courts consider the child’s best interests. These include the relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment, each parent’s mental and physical health, the willingness of each parent to facilitate the relationship with the other parent, and even the child’s wishes (depending on their age).
Both are important; they simply serve different purposes in the context of child custody. Parental responsibility is crucial because it involves decisions that directly impact the long-term well-being and development of the child. Parenting time is equally important, however, as it affects the child’s emotional connection and relationship with each parent.
Work with a child custody attorney who can advocate for your interests, gather evidence, and build a strong case to protect your rights and your child’s well-being. Documentation is crucial, so it will be important to maintain records of your involvement in your child’s life, including school events, medical appointments, and daily care.
A parenting plan outlines how major decisions for the children will be made, the allocation of parenting time, and other important details. A completed plan is required before a divorce can be finalized. This comprehensive document reduces future conflicts and provides clear guidance for both parents.
Yes, parenting time can be modified if there are significant changes in circumstances. Whether due to job changes, relocation, or changes in your child’s needs, modifications ensure your parenting plan continues to serve your family’s best interests. The key is demonstrating that the modification truly benefits your children.
