Elmhurst, Illinois Child Custody Lawyers

Attorneys Assisting With Parenting Plans and Child Custody Issues in Elmhurst

When parents choose to separate or get a divorce, decisions must be made about where their children will live, how their time will be divided between the parents' households, and who will have the authority to make important decisions about their upbringing. These decisions can have lasting effects on the well-being of children and their relationships with both parents.

In child custody cases, Illinois law focuses on protecting the best interests of children. Courts will often encourage parents to resolve disputes amicably and put solutions in place that will allow both parents to remain involved in their children's lives. The legal process of establishing child custody arrangements can be complicated, especially in situations where parents may disagree about what is best for their children.

The lawyers at A. Traub & Associates provide compassionate representation for parents in Elmhurst who need to address child custody issues. We listen carefully to our clients' concerns, explain their legal options clearly, and work with them to develop strategies for resolving disputes effectively. With a commitment to communication, collaboration, and compassionate advocacy, our attorneys work tirelessly to help families reach resolutions that will support healthy parent-child relationships while providing stability for children.

Understanding the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Under Illinois law, what was once referred to as "legal custody" is now addressed through the allocation of parental responsibilities. One or both parents may be granted the authority to make significant decisions about a child's life. These decisions fall into several categories, including education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities.

In many cases, parents will be able to share decision-making authority. This will require the parents to communicate and agree on major decisions affecting their children. Joint decision-making can work well when parents are able to cooperate and maintain respectful communication. Courts generally favor arrangements that will allow both parents to remain actively involved in important decisions about their children's lives.

Joint decision-making may not always be appropriate. In situations involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health concerns, a court may allocate sole decision-making authority to one parent. The court may also divide decision-making responsibilities by category, such as by giving one parent authority over educational decisions while the other will have authority over healthcare decisions.

When addressing the allocation of parental responsibilities, our attorneys can help parents determine what arrangements will work best for their families. We can present evidence and arguments that support our client's position regarding decision-making authority while demonstrating a person's commitment to protecting their children's well-being.

Parenting Time Schedules

Parenting time refers to the schedule that determines when a child will spend time with each parent. What was previously called "physical custody" or "visitation" is now addressed through parenting time arrangements. These arrangements can take different forms depending on the needs of the family and the practical realities of a family's situation.

Creating an effective parenting time schedule will require a careful consideration of multiple factors. The arrangements may be based on factors such as the age and developmental needs of children, the distance between the parents' homes, work schedules, school schedules, extracurricular activities, and each parent's ability to provide day-to-day care.

The goal of a parenting time schedule is to provide children with stability and predictability while ensuring that they can spend meaningful time with both parents. Our lawyers work with parents to develop realistic schedules that will meet the specific needs of their children. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and we will take the time to understand each family's circumstances before recommending a particular arrangement.

Components of a Comprehensive Parenting Plan

A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines how parents will share responsibilities related to their children and how parenting time will be divided while also addressing other important issues. If parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will create one for them based on the best interests of the child.

A well-drafted parenting plan should address far more than just a basic parenting time schedule. It should provide clarity on a wide range of issues and ensure that both parents understand their rights and obligations. Key components of a parenting plan include the regular parenting time schedule, provisions for holidays, school breaks, and special occasions, procedures for handling changes to the schedule or makeup parenting time, methods for communicating about children and sharing information, and guidelines for decision-making.

Parenting plans may also address transportation arrangements, including who will be responsible for dropping off and picking up children and where exchanges will take place. A plan may include provisions about introducing new romantic partners to the child, specifying that a parent should wait until a relationship is serious before involving the child. It may also establish rules for travel with the child, including requirements for advance notice and procedures for obtaining the other parent's consent.

For parents who have difficulty communicating, a parenting plan might incorporate provisions for parallel parenting, which can minimize direct interactions between parents and establish clear boundaries. In some cases, parenting plans may require parents to use communication tools or apps designed to encourage co-parenting and create a record of all communications between parents.

Our attorneys can help negotiate a parenting plan that will protect a parent's relationship with their children while addressing potential areas of conflict. We can also review proposed plans to ensure that our clients' rights are protected and that the terms are clear and enforceable while protecting children's best interests. We are prepared to advocate for our clients in court and present evidence supporting a proposed parenting arrangement.

Modifying Parenting Plans When Circumstances Change

Parenting plans are not necessarily permanent. As children grow and a family's circumstances evolve, modifications to parenting arrangements may be necessary. Illinois law allows parents to seek modification of parenting plans, but courts recognize the importance of stability for children, and certain conditions must be met before a modification will be granted.

In general, a parent who is seeking a modification to child custody or parenting time must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Substantial changes might include a parent's relocation to a different city or state, significant changes in a parent's work schedule or living situation, the child's changing needs as they grow older, concerns about a parent's ability to provide adequate care, or a consistent pattern of one parent refusing to follow the existing parenting plan.

Parents may negotiate with each other and reach agreements about what modifications will be made. In these cases, parents can submit a new parenting plan to the court for approval. If a modification request is contested, one parent can submit a petition for modification to the court, asking a judge to grant their request.

Our legal team can assist with both agreed and contested modifications. We can help a parent determine whether their situation meets the legal standards for modification, gather evidence to support their position, and present a compelling case to the court. We will work to ensure that parenting arrangements will continue to serve the best interests of our clients' children.

Contact Our Elmhurst, IL Child Custody Attorneys

When you need to address concerns related to the custody of your children, the attorneys at A. Traub & Associates can provide the guidance and representation you need. We understand the stakes involved in these cases, and we are prepared to fight for your parental rights while focusing on your child's best interests at all times. To schedule a consultation with our Elmhurst parenting plan lawyers, call 630-426-0196 today.