Wheaton Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Lawyers for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Serving DuPage County

If you are in the midst of a breakup or divorce, you are probably worried about how your children will be affected. As a parent, you always want the best for your children, but you should also be sure that you are looking after your own rights and best interests as well. At Goostree Law Group, we know that your children mean everything to you, and we offer responsible, compassionate guidance for parents in matters of law that involve their children.

With more than 80 years of family law experience, our attorneys understand that children whose parents get divorced are better off when both parents continue to play active roles in the lives of their children. We combine our experience, knowledge, and legal skill to help create parenting arrangements that serve the best interests of children while safeguarding the rights of parents.

Trusted Family Law Counsel in Wheaton and Warrenville

What used to known as "child custody" is now called the "allocation of parental responsibilities" by Illinois law. The change was made several years ago to shift the focus from "winning" or "losing" custody of a child to a more fluid approach to sharing parenting duties.

There are two basic considerations that fall under parental responsibilities in Illinois: authority for significant decision-making and arrangements for parenting time. The authority for significant decision-making refers to each parent's role in making key choices about the child's life. Such choices include but are not limited to those involving the child's education, medical care, religious upbringing, and participation in extracurricular activities. Decision-making responsibilities may be given solely to one parent, or they may be shared between both parents. In some situations, decision-making authority can even be divided based on the strengths, expertise, and areas of interest for each parent. If one parent is a doctor, for example, that parent could assume responsibility for medical-related choices.

The second consideration involved in parental responsibilities is a parenting time schedule. Previously called "visitation," parenting time is a right that is guaranteed under Illinois law unless a parent is found to be a danger to the child. Parenting time is not necessarily dependent on decision-making authority, as it is possible for one parent to make all of the decisions while both parents enjoy roughly equal parenting time. Conversely, the parents could both be responsible for decision-making but have disproportionate amounts of parenting time due to work schedules or geographic distance.

Aurora Lawyers for Negotiated Parenting Plans

Illinois law requires divorcing parents to submit a parenting plan to the court for consideration. The parents may work together to develop one plan, or each parent may submit one separately. At Goostree Law Group, we believe that it is in everyone's best interest for parents to reach an agreement on a parenting plan whenever possible, even if it means setting aside their differences to do so. Studies show that when both parents are involved with creating a parenting plan, both sides are more likely to adhere to the plan with fewer problems than with a plan created and ordered by the court.

Our attorneys will help you customize a parenting plan to meet the unique needs of your family. We will assist you in developing an agreement that allows both parents to stay involved in the life of your child and promotes a healthy family situation for many years to come. If a cooperative parenting plan is not possible, however, we will advocate on your behalf through litigation. You can depend on our firm to help you and your children build the happier lives you deserve.

Call 630-364-4046 Today

If you are or will soon be facing a dispute regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities, contact our office. Call 630-364-4046 to schedule a free consultation today. With locations in Wheaton and St. Charles, Goostree Law Group serves clients throughout DuPage County and the surrounding areas.