What if Parents Cannot Agree on Child Custody Issues in Illinois?

 Posted on January 14, 2021 in Divorce

If you are a parent who is considering divorce or you are unmarried and about to become a parent, you probably have questions about child custody. In Illinois, child custody has been replaced by the more modern terms “parental responsibilities” and “parenting time.” Parental responsibilities refer to a parent’s authority to make major decisions about the child’s life such as where the child will attend school. Parenting time, formerly “visitation,” is the actual time that a parent spends caring for his or her child. Parents are asked to outline the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time in their “parenting plan.” Parents who cannot agree on parenting plan issues have several options.

Working Out an Agreement with Help from a Family Law Attorney

Understandably, parents often have strong feelings about child custody issues. This can make it hard for parents to discuss child-related issues rationally or to even consider compromising. If you find yourself in this situation, a family law attorney who has experience with child custody disputes can be a valuable resource. Your attorney can help you negotiate the elements of the parenting plan and may also have ideas that you had not considered.

Family law mediation is a process during which individuals work with a trained mediator in hopes of reaching a resolution to their dispute. Mediation has helped many couples reach a settlement regarding divorce issues and child custody concerns. However, mediation is not right for everyone.

The Court May Intervene If Parents Cannot Reach an Agreement

If you and your child’s other parent cannot negotiate an agreement with help from your lawyer or through alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation, your case may go to trial. Illinois courts determine the allocation of parenting time and parental responsibilities by considering what is in the child’s best interests. The court will consider the child’s wishes, each parent’s wishes, the parties’ mental and physical health, any instances of domestic violence, and several other factors.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Child Custody Lawyer

When Illinois parents divorce or remain unmarried, they are asked to create a parenting plan that outlines their decisions regarding parental responsibilities and parenting time. However, parents often struggle to reach an agreement. If you need help with concerns related to child custody or divorce, contact a skilled Arlington Heights, IL family law attorney from A. Traub & Associates. Call our office today at 847-749-4182 to arrange a confidential, personalized consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.5.htm