Wheaton Parenting Time Lawyer

Lawyers for Child Visitation and Parenting Time Serving DuPage County and Surroudning Areas

When parents get divorced, it is often their children who suffer the most. While doing so can be difficult, it is critical for each parent to maintain a healthy relationship with their child. At Goostree Law Group, we are serious about protecting the rights of parents, especially those who are divorced from or not married to their child's other parent. Our experienced lawyers work hard to help struggling families negotiate workable parenting time arrangements that keep both parents active in their children's lives.

The Importance of Parenting Time

For many years, the law in Illinois promised a parent reasonable rights to visitation with his or her child, regardless of the relationship with the other parent. The goal was admirable: to help keep each parent actively invested in the life of the child. Unfortunately, the law sometimes had an unintended consequence of effectively alienating one parent and making him or her feel like an outsider. Several years ago, the law was updated to eliminate the term "visitation" in favor of the more inclusive "parenting time." The new terminology is also more reflective of responsibilities and rights associated with being a parent, even in the wake of a divorce or breakup.

While local courts may use standardized templates or suggested schedules in many situations, Illinois law does not contain any type of standard parenting time arrangement. If the parents cannot agree to a parenting time schedule on their own, it is up to the court to create a schedule that protects the best interests of the child above all else. Our skilled lawyers can help you develop an arrangement that not only benefits your child but that also meets your needs. Factors like each parent's work schedule, the geographic distance between each parent's homes, and the relationship between each parent and the child must all be taken into account.

Aurora Attorneys Focused on Protecting Parental Rights

It is not uncommon for one parent to be given the majority of the parenting time, but in some cases, a parent may receive nearly all of the parenting time. If your time with your child is limited or the other parent is interfering with your parenting time, the team at Goostree Law Group can assist in taking action to protect your parental rights. We understand that it can be intimidating for many parents—especially those who have been treated poorly in the past—to navigate the legal system on their own. Our lawyers will work with you in reviewing your situation and understanding your available options. We will make sure that you have the access to your child promised by your existing parenting plan. If the current plan is outdated because of changing life situations, we will help you seek a modification.

Restricting Parenting Time When Necessary

If you believe that your child is in danger by spending time with his or her other parent, you need to take action right away. Illinois law allows the court to restrict a parent's parenting time if that parent is found to present a serious physical, psychological, emotional, or moral danger to the child. Our attorneys understand the severity of such situations, and we can help you seek parenting time restrictions to ensure your child's safety and well-being.

Three Locations to Serve You

To learn more about our attorneys and how our team can assist you with parenting time concerns, contact us today. Call 630-364-4046 to schedule a free consultation at any of our three locations, including in Wheaton and St. Charles. Goostree Law Group also serves clients in Aurora, Lisle, Downers Grove, Woodridge, Warrenville, and throughout DuPage County.