Belleville Child Custody & Allocation Of Parental Responsibilities Attorney

Few decisions you will ever make as a parent carry as much weight as child custody. In Illinois, child custody is now statutorily referred to as the “Allocation of Parental Responsibilities.” Whether you want to create an arrangement or modify an existing one, we can walk you through every step of the process. The attorneys at Buchmiller Family Law, LLC, try to assist you in settling an agreement that works for your family and keeps your child’s best interest as the number one priority.

Our firm serves clients in Belleville, as well as St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, Washington, and Clinton counties. When you’re ready to take the next step, we are just a phone call away.

Illinois Law On Allocation Of Parental Responsibilities

Illinois law distinguishes between two major issues regarding parental responsibilities: decision-making authority and parenting time. By separating the responsibilities, the court can address with which parent major decisions concerning the child will be made and how much time the child spends with each parent. Each family is different, and we work with you to devise a plan that best suits your individual needs while protecting your parental rights.

Important Factors In Illinois Child Custody

Decision-Making Responsibilities

Decision-making responsibilities in Illinois concern who has the right to make major decisions on behalf of your child, which might include but is not limited to education and medical care, extra-curricular activities, and even religious training. The court may award these responsibilities to one or both parents. Our attorneys will help you make a clear case if you seek decision-making authority while fully considering what is in the best interest of your child.

Parenting Time (Visitation)

Parenting time, formerly called visitation, is a part of the custody arrangement. Generally, Illinois law encourages both parents to maintain an ongoing relationship with the child unless there is a reason why such a relationship would not be in the child’s best interest. We will work with you to develop a parenting time schedule that takes into account your child’s needs and helps both parents maintain a healthy relationship with them.

Parenting Plans

In Illinois, you will need to file a parenting plan that describes how each parent will share decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. If you are able to agree with your child’s other parent on the details of how this will be arranged, then that certainly can be less contentious. Otherwise, the court will step in and create a plan for you. We are here to help you prepare a specific and concise parenting plan that will spell out, in detail, all the important aspects of your child’s life, from school schedules to the holidays.

Modifications To Custody Agreements

Life is dynamic, and sometimes that custody agreement needs to change with it. In some situations, you can have your custody agreement modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances-such as a job relocation or if your child’s needs have changed. We will help you understand what constitutes an acceptable modification and guide you in requesting changes to the existing order that better portrays your family’s current situation.

Grandparent And Third-Party Visitation Rights

Under Illinois law, grandparents and certain third parties, may seek visitation with children where certain specific circumstances arise. Generally speaking, parents have the chief right to decide who may and who may not spend time with their children. But, a court may grant visitation to a grandparent or other third party if it finds such visitation is in the child’s best interest. These cases are complex, but let us try to make your situation understandable for you and how the law applies and to represent you through this process.

Relocation And Custody

Whether you or your ex-spouse is considering relocation, the current custody arrangement could be modified. In Illinois, parents who want to relocate and have custody must obtain court approval for the relocation if the move is beyond a certain distance. We can guide you through the legal process and represent you in court to ensure this relocation is handled in a way that protects your rights to a relationship with your child.

Illinois Child Custody FAQs

How Does The Court Decide Who Gets Decision-Making Responsibilities In Illinois?

The court’s decision would be based on what is in the best interest of the child. Certain factors to be considered include the relationship that the child has with both of the parents, each parent’s ability to cooperate, the child’s wishes whenever appropriate, and each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life. Our lawyers will help you build a strong case that showcases your ability to make the most progressive decisions for your children.

How Does Illinois Decide Parenting Time?

The court, as mentioned earlier, orders parenting time in the best interest of the child. It considers the following: the child’s daily routine, the proximity of the residences of the parties from each other, and which party can better provide for the continuity and stability of the environment. We will help you draft a parenting time schedule that will suit your family’s needs and protect your relationship with your child.

What Is A Parenting Plan, And Do I Need One?

Yes, Illinois requires a parenting plan. It is a document that explains how decision-making responsibilities and parenting time are to be apportioned between parents. If the parents can agree to a plan, one may be submitted to the court. If the parties cannot agree upon a plan, the court will create one. We can help you in formulating a parenting plan which shall cover everything about the upbringing of your child, from education down to holidays, and see to it that your parental rights are protected.

Can Modifications To Custody Agreements Be Made In Illinois?

Yes, custody agreements may be modified based on specific changes experienced by either of the parents, such as their relocation, change of job, or changes in the needs of the children. We can assist you in determining if your situation qualifies for modification and can also walk you through the legal process in a manner that any changes best serve the interest of your child.

What Rights Do Grandparents Have To Visitation In Illinois?

Under certain circumstances, grandparents have standing to petition for visitation rights, including if the child’s parents are divorced or a parent is deceased. If there is a dispute regarding the request, the court will make a determination based on the child’s best interests. We will assist you in understanding the applicable law, whether you are a grandparent seeking visitation or a parent facing a request.

Let’s Discuss Your Child Custody Case Today

Nothing in life is more important than knowing that your children are safe, well looked after, and loved. Whether you are working to establish decision-making responsibilities, parenting time, or seeking assistance with a modification, our attorneys are here to guide you through the process with care and dedication. We know these decisions might be difficult for you to make, but together, we can establish a plan that works for your family while preserving your parental rights.

We offer representation, and invite you to discuss your case and how we can work together to achieve the best outcome for your family in a free 15-minute telephone consultation. Call our Belleville child custody attorneys at Buchmiller Family Law, LLC by calling 618-432-1866 to arrange your free consultation.