Lombard Child Custody Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers Helping You Make Decisions About Parental Responsibilities in Lombard, IL

When you separate or divorce as a parent, one of the hardest things to face is that your children will likely be spending time away from you with the other parent. Illinois now uses the term "parental responsibilities" instead of custody, and "parenting time" was once called visitation. Although the names have changed, the meanings remain the same. You and your co-parent must divide your children's time between you, and you will also need to determine how decision-making authority will be shared or divided.

These are tough choices, and some parents sadly use their children to manipulate each other. Custody decisions should be based on what is best for your children, which can be difficult to do when your emotions are running high. You need an experienced attorney to guide you and help you make the right choices for your family. The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. has guided many Illinois families through custody decisions and disputes since 1997. You can trust us to provide effective legal representation while protecting your and your children's best interests. The custody arrangements we help you develop will always be customized according to your unique situation.

Understanding Parental Responsibilities, Parenting Time, and Parenting Plans in Illinois

Divorcing parents are required to submit a parenting plan to the courts. This plan is basically a handbook that stipulates who has the right to make major decisions and when the children will spend days or nights with each parent. When called upon to settle custody disputes, the court is required to make rulings based on the best interests of the children. Factors that may be considered include:

• Each child's needs and age
• Each parent's ability to care for their children
• Everyone's physical and mental health conditions
• The distance between the parents' residences
• The willingness of parents to support a continuing relationship between their children and the other parent
• How well the parents can cooperate in matters involving their children
• Any history of domestic violence or abuse
• Unsafe living environments in either parent's home

Depending on the children's maturity and ages, their wishes may also be considered. You may not be happy with the ruling if the court settles a dispute. It is typically advisable to come to an agreement with the other parent through negotiations so you have more control over the outcome. Your lawyer can facilitate negotiations or present your argument in court.

Decision-Making Authority

Parents are responsible for making major decisions about their children's upbringing. Although you may have made these decisions as a couple while together, you and your co-parent must now decide how future decisions will be made. You could share this authority, or one of you may have sole decision-making authority in certain areas.

This authority extends to major decisions, including those involving education, religion, and healthcare. When your children are with you, you do not have to consult the other parent about what to feed your children for dinner or other daily decisions. However, it is often a good idea to agree to some common rules to help maintain consistency for your children.

Parenting Time

Illinois law no longer grants primary physical custody of children to one parent while allowing the other to have scheduled visitation. All time children spend with either parent is now known as parenting time. Some families prefer for children to spend an equal amount of time with each parent. Other arrangements may be beneficial in different situations. This is one area where it is incredibly important to create a customized plan that suits your family's needs. The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. excels at learning about your children's needs and your goals and developing tailored parenting time schedules to reflect them.

Modifying Illinois Child Custody Agreements

As your children grow, their needs can change. One parent may accept a new job in another state. You may discover that your children's safety is at risk while spending time with their other parent. Your attorney can assist with requests to modify your court orders to reflect these or other changes.

Call Our Lombard, Illinois Child Custody Lawyers

When you partner with The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd., we will guide you through making the best custody decisions for your children. Contact us through a confidential online message or by calling 630-785-2400 to set up an appointment for your free consultation today.