Best Chicago Child Custody Attorneys

Issues involving children are always among the most contentious dealt with in family court cases. Parents have strong emotions when it comes to defending their rights along with their children’s safety. This can come to a head in child custody proceedings, where plans regarding parental time sharing and decision making responsibility will be decided. At the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we know you want to have the best Chicago child custody attorneys on your side.

Our team has been selected as among the top ten by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and has been featured nationally in magazines, including O, the Oprah Magazine and Elle. We provide the fierce legal representation you need in situations where your rights concerning your children hang in the balance.  

Fierce Legal Representation in Matters Concerning Parental Responsibility

Illinois laws in regards to child custody have changed dramatically over the past several years. Whereas the court traditionally awarded sole custody to one parent while granting the other visitation, they now lean in favor of joint custody arrangements. Thru co-parenting, each of the parents can play a more active and engaged role in their child’s life.

Under the Illinois Statutes concerning the Allocation of Parental Responsibility (750 ILCS 5/517), there are two distinct areas a family court order in Chicago child custody disputes will address:

• Parenting Time: Through the use of parenting plans, which are submitted by one or both parties to the court, the amount of parenting time each party has with the child will be decided. This includes living arrangements, weeknight and weekend visitation, and plans for school breaks, holidays, and other special occasions. It will also likely address how active each parent can be at their child’s school or in recreational activities.
• Parental Responsibility: This refers to making decisions on behalf of the child in regards to their education, health care, emotional development, religious upbringing, and the types of extracurricular activities they engage in. Depending on the circumstances, parents may hold joint responsibility in which each has a say, or the court may appoint only one of them to hold this decision making authority.

An Attorney Can Protect Your Rights as a Parent

To ensure you remain a vital part of your child’s life and to protect your rights in making decisions in their best interests, reach out and contact our Chicago child custody attorneys today. At Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we can arrange a consultation in our office in downtown Chicago, Lake Forest, or Lisle to discuss the best course of action in your particular case.