Darien Child Custody Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers Helping with Child Custody, Parenting Plans, and More in Darien, IL

Whether parents are unmarried or in the process of separating, children are often at the forefront of both the family's and the court's considerations. While family law cases are often highly emotional, most parents want what is best for their children, despite the issues that can arise during a legal dispute. Custody battles, in which parents may dispute where children will live, when they will spend time with each parent, and who will have legal decision-making authority, can be particularly contentious. The stress of family conflict and complex legal proceedings can affect a person's ability to make clear, responsible decisions. With so much at stake, choosing a reliable family law attorney can mean all the difference in your and your children's lives.

At Goostree Law Group, we strive to provide every client with the support and guidance needed to protect their and their children's interests as they address family-related concerns. Understanding your rights and responsibilities under Illinois law is crucial in advocating for you and your family. With more than 20 years of legal experience, our firm has received over 100 positive reviews from satisfied clients in Darien and DuPage County. We approach every case with compassion and patience, and we will work to help you achieve an outcome that will promote healthy, stable relationships.

Call 630-584-4800 and let us help your family.

Acting in Your Child's Best Interests

Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, courts are required to consider and act in the child's best interests in child custody cases. There are a variety of factors the court can consider when determining which decisions will best support a child's overall development, safety, and well-being, including:

• Each parent's willingness to encourage their child to have a close relationship with the other parent.
• Each parent's history of involvement related to caring for their child.
• Any record of neglect, abuse, or domestic violence that could impact a child's safety or well-being, as well as any potentially dangerous habits, such as substance abuse.
• The physical and mental health of children, parents, and anyone else involved in the children's lives.
• How far each parent lives from the other, and their willingness to work together to make transportation arrangements for children.
• How well children have adapted to their communities, schools, and homes.
• The demonstrated ability or willingness of each parent to put their child's best interests ahead of their own desires.
• Depending on maturity and age, the wishes or preferences of the children themselves.

Courts will make an effort to remain gender-neutral, and they will not favor one parent over the other when analyzing a family's circumstances and attitudes. The goal in these cases will be to ensure that children can live in environments that allow them to thrive socially, academically, and emotionally.

The Importance of Parenting Plans in Illinois

Under state law, parents are required to draft a comprehensive parenting plan during a child custody case. This legal agreement outlines the allocation of decision-making authority, the arrangements related to sole or joint custody, and detailed parenting time schedules, including provisions for school breaks, holidays, weekends, and more. A plan may also detail the day-to-day logistics that affect parents and children, including specific transportation plans for getting kids to and from school, as well as communication provisions for how and when parents will share information regarding their children's lives.

While parents are not always willing to work together, the state generally encourages them to establish parenting plans through negotiation and cooperation. Rather than having a judge make these decisions, parents who are willing to cooperate can maintain more control over how child-related issues will be handled.

Parenting plans can address a variety of other concerns. Parents may outline provisions for their children's screen time, forms of discipline, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, introduction of new romantic partners, and travel with children outside of the state or country. By outlining important details and establishing healthy, open lines of communication, parents can make sure they will be able to raise their children in separate homes while avoiding conflict or confusion as much as possible.