Algonquin, IL Child Custody Attorneys

When parents in Algonquin decide to separate or divorce, questions about their children will often be some of the most pressing concerns they will face. As they address issues related to child custody, parents will need to determine where their children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and who will make important decisions about their upbringing. Whether parents were married, are going through a divorce, or were never married to each other, these issues may be addressed in family court, and orders may be put in place that will determine how child-related concerns will be handled going forward.

Child custody matters can quickly become complicated, especially when parents disagree about what arrangements will serve their children best. Some parents may be able to reach agreements on their own, while others may need to go to court and ask a judge to make decisions for them. In every case, Illinois courts base their decisions on what will serve the best interests of children, considering factors such as each parent's ability to cooperate, the child's relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect.

Child-related concerns can be some of the most stressful parts of divorce or family law cases. At Goostree Law Group, our attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to handle child custody matters correctly. We can provide guidance on the legal standards that are followed in these cases and the steps our clients can take to protect their parental rights while focusing on protecting their children's best interests.

Our team takes time to listen to each family's unique circumstances before recommending a path forward. We work to resolve disagreements through negotiations whenever possible, and we can also provide guidance on when mediation may be an option for reaching agreements. We will work to help our clients avoid the stress of courtroom battles, but when they are unable to reach fair resolutions through negotiation or mediation, we will be ready to advocate for them in front of a judge. Throughout the process, we will help parents focus on protecting the well-being of their children and finding solutions that will provide for stability in the future.

Parenting Time

One of the key issues addressed in a child custody case will be how to create a schedule that will determine when children will be with each parent. Courts may consider a wide range of factors when determining an appropriate parenting time schedule, including the wishes of the child, the child's adjustment to their home and school, and the mental and physical health of the parents, children, or other family members.

A parenting time schedule can address many practical details, such as:

• Weekly Schedule: Which days and overnights each parent will have with the child during a typical week
• Holiday Schedule: How school breaks, major holidays, birthdays, or other important days and times will be divided between parents
• Transportation: When parents will be responsible for picking up or dropping off children, transporting them to school, or handling transportation at other times

Because every family's needs are different, a parenting time schedule can be created that will fit children's ages, school schedules, and relationships with each parent. Our lawyers can provide guidance on how parents can create a plan that will give them a reasonable amount of time with their children while ensuring that they can meet their children's ongoing needs.

Decision-Making Responsibilities

In addition to parenting time, parents will need to determine how they will handle major decisions about how their children will be raised. These decision-making responsibilities are typically divided into four categories: education, health, religion, and extracurricular activities.

Parents may share responsibility in some or all of these categories, or one parent may be granted sole responsibility if joint decision-making is not workable or if that parent had handled specific types of decisions in the past. For example, parents who communicate well may share decision-making authority over education and extracurricular activities, while one parent may be given primary responsibility over medical decisions due to their proximity to children's doctors. Illinois courts will look closely at parents' ability to cooperate before deciding how responsibilities should be allocated.