DuPage County Child Custody Attorneys

Even during a contentious divorce, most parents can agree that they want what is best for their children. However, reaching an agreement on what the best arrangements are is not simple. Each parent believes their child is better off living with them. In many cases, the parents argue about what is best for them, which is not the same as what is best for their children. If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on custody and visitation, it is best to contact experienced DuPage County child custody attorneys.

At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, you can meet with one of our skilled family law attorneys who recognizes how difficult these disputes are. We understand how sensitive this situation is and how important it is to reach an agreement as quickly as possible. The longer you are in a contentious custody battle, the worse it is for your family. We will help you resolve your custody issues while making sure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Deciding on child custody and parenting time should be as least disruptive as possible. The best outcome is one that benefits both your children and you.

How Illinois Courts Decide Child Custody

As you move through your divorce, you will learn that Illinois courts refer to child custody and visitation by other names. A few years ago, the law started referring to child custody as the ‘allocation of parental responsibilities,’ and visitation is now termed ‘parenting time.’ Under this new system, the family court judge will decide which parent is responsible for making all critical and legal decisions on behalf of their children.

To determine parenting time, the judge looks at how to allocate your children’s time with each one of you. The courts in Illinois favor agreements that allow involvement by both parents. If there are safety concerns, then the judge might award the rights to only one parent.

Some parents are surprised to find out that the courts do not necessarily care what their personal preference is. The judge’s main priority is to determine what custody arrangement is best for your children. The reality is that the court could draw up an agreement that neither of you is happy with. That is why we recommend negotiating your own agreement rather than letting a judge decide.

Judges recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all model with custody and parenting time. That is why they consider many different factors when making their decision. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to:

• What is each parent’s overall physical, mental, and emotional health;
• What decisions you have each made in the past;
• How well-adjusted your child is in their current living situation; and
• Whether either of you has any criminal history.  

The judge will ask what you want but don’t be shocked if it is not necessarily part of the final agreement.

Contact our DuPage County Child Custody Attorneys

If you need assistance with a child custody matter in Illinois, let our skilled DuPage County child custody attorneys help. Contact SAM LAW OFFICE LLC today to make an appointment.