Child Custody Attorney in Schaumburg

At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, our child custody attorney in Schaumburg is committed to helping our clients find the solutions that work best for their specific situations. Our firm handles all types of custody and visitation cases—from collaborative negotiations to hotly-contested disputes. If you have any specific questions about a custody dispute, we can help. Contact us today to arrange your completely confidential consultation with a top Schaumburg child custody lawyer. 

Know the Law: Understanding Child Custody in Illinois

In Illinois, child custody is no longer officially referred to by that term—instead, the concept is called the “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.” It is a term that was created to better encapsulate the various facets of parenting rather than just focusing on the physical location of the child. The allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) is split into two primary categories:

• Decision-Making Responsibilities: This pertains to significant issues like the child’s health, education, religion, and extracurricular activities. These responsibilities can be shared or allocated to one parent exclusively.
• Parenting Time: Formerly known as “visitation,” parenting time relates to how time is distributed between parents. The courts aim to ensure that both parents have adequate and meaningful time with their children. 

An Overview of the Best Interests of the Child Standard

Illinois is a “best interests of the child” state. In any disputes over custody and visitation, the court will assess various factors to ensure the child’s well-being. Notable factors include: 

• The wishes of the parents; 
• The child’s relationship with the parents; 
• The child’s connections to their home, school, and community; 
• The mental and physical health of the child and the parents; 
• Any history of violence or threat of violence by a parent; 
• The child’s wishes (if old enough and mature enough); and
• Any other factor deemed relevant by the court. 

We Help Parents Find Collaborative Solutions When Possible

While the court process can sometimes be adversarial, our primary goal is to help parents find collaborative solutions to their custody disputes. We firmly believe that children benefit most when parents can reach amicable agreements without the need for litigation. It is an approach that not only reduces emotional and financial stress but can help to spare children from conflict. At the same time, our Schaumburg child custody lawyers are always ready to fight to protect your interests. 

Get Help From a Top Child Custody Attorney in Schaumburg

At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, our Schaumburg child custody lawyers are committed to helping parents protect their rights and find the best solution for their kids. Give us a call now or connect with us online to set up your confidential initial family law appointment. Our firm handles custody and visitation cases in Schaumburg, Chicago, and all across the entire region.