Chicago Parenting Time Lawyers

Illinois Parenting Time Lawyers Representing Parents in Chicago

Whether you are expecting a parenting time case as part of your Chicago divorce or you will be going through a separate and stand-alone parenting time case following separation from your spouse or unmarried partner, you should know that our firm is here to help you. An experienced parenting time attorney in Chicago can advocate for your rights as a parent, and we will do everything possible to ensure that you play an important and ongoing role in your child’s upbringing and day-to-day life. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group to get started on your parenting time case.

Types of Parenting Time Cases Our Attorneys Handle in Chicago

At Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we represent clients in many kinds of parenting time cases in the Chicago area. The following are just some examples of the types of cases we frequently handle:

• Allocation of significant decision-making responsibilities;
• Allocation of parenting time;
• Handling religion and a child’s religious upbringing;
• Creating a parenting plan;
• parenting time and family mediation;
• Establishing methods of communication for shared parenting time;
• Restrictions on parenting time cases in Chicago; 
• Relocation and parenting time; and
• Modifications of existing allocation judgments and parenting plans.

What is Parenting Time in Chicago?

Parenting time in Chicago is the allocation of parental responsibilities according to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA). Under the IMDMA, courts do not award or order legal or physical parenting time any longer, and they do not use the terminology of “parenting time” or “visitation” at all for parents. Rather, courts are responsible for allocating parental responsibilities, which include both significant decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. 

Significant decision-making responsibilities include making decisions about a child’s education and health care, as well as religious upbringing in certain circumstances. These parental responsibilities are similar to legal custody. Parenting time includes a wide range of caretaking functions and spending time with the child on a day-to-day basis. These parental responsibilities are similar to physical custody or visitation. 

What are the Best Interests of the Child, and How Can a Custody Attorney Help?

Parental responsibilities can be allocated by the court through an allocation judgment, or the parents can reach an agreement themselves about allocating parental responsibilities through a parenting plan. Either way, the allocation of parental responsibilities must be based on what is in the best interests of the child.

The IMDMA provides a range of “best interests” factors for consideration, and our Chicago parenting time lawyers can discuss how those factors are likely to apply to your case. We can also assist you with the creation of a parenting plan, and we can advocate for your parental rights if the court will be hearing your case and allocating parental responsibilities through an allocation judgment.

Contact a Chicago Parenting Time Attorney Today

If you are anticipating a parenting time case, or if you are currently involved in a parenting time case and need help, our Chicago parenting time attorneys are here to assist you. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn more about the services we provide. Contact Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group for more information.