Paternity and Parenting Matters for Unmarried Parents in Bloomington and Normal, Illinois
When parents are not married, questions about legal parentage and parenting arrangements often require court involvement. In Bloomington, Normal, and throughout McLean County, Illinois law provides a framework for resolving issues related to parenting time, decision-making authority, financial support, and parentage. Without formal legal recognition, these matters can remain uncertain or difficult to enforce.
From our Bloomington office, Stange Law Firm, PC assists unmarried parents with paternity-related concerns. Our attorneys help clients understand their rights and responsibilities under Illinois law and work toward court-recognized solutions that provide clarity and long-term stability for children and parents alike.
Situations That Commonly Lead to Paternity Actions
Unmarried parents often seek legal guidance when informal arrangements are no longer workable or when disagreements arise. Paternity matters in McLean County frequently involve the need to address:
Parenting time schedules
Allocation of parental responsibilities
Financial support obligations
DNA testing to establish parentage
Modification or enforcement of existing court orders
Establishing paternity allows the court to fully address these issues and issue enforceable orders when necessary.
Establishing Paternity in McLean County, Illinois
Illinois law allows paternity to be established in different ways depending on the circumstances. In some cases, parentage may be acknowledged voluntarily. In others, a court action is required, and genetic testing may be used to determine biological parentage.
Once paternity is legally established, the court has authority to enter orders addressing parenting arrangements and financial responsibilities consistent with Illinois statutes.
Parenting Time and Decision-Making Under Illinois Law
Illinois no longer uses the traditional term “child custody.” Instead, courts focus on two related concepts:
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, which addresses how decision-making authority is shared between parents
Parenting Time, which outlines when each parent spends time with the child
Decision-making authority may be allocated for areas such as education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities. Courts base these determinations on the child’s best interests and aim to promote ongoing parental involvement where appropriate.
Financial Support and Related Court Orders
After paternity is established, the court may also address financial support obligations using Illinois guidelines. These orders are designed to ensure that a child’s needs are met fairly and consistently. Courts may later modify or enforce these orders if circumstances change or compliance becomes an issue.
Addressing Disputes, Modifications, and Enforcement
Some paternity matters involve ongoing disputes or changes over time. Legal assistance may be helpful when parents need to:
Modify parenting time or financial support orders
Enforce existing court orders
Address noncompliance or contempt issues
Having clear, court-recognized orders in place can help reduce future conflict and uncertainty.
Focused Representation for Unmarried Parents
Paternity cases establish the legal foundation for parenting and financial responsibilities moving forward. Stange Law Firm, PC works with unmarried parents to explain the process, evaluate available options, and pursue practical solutions that align with Illinois law and the child’s best interests.
Contact a Bloomington–Normal, Illinois Paternity Attorney
If you are an unmarried parent in Bloomington, Normal, or elsewhere in McLean County dealing with paternity, parenting time, DNA testing, or financial support issues, Stange Law Firm, PC is ready to assist.
Stange Law Firm, PC – McLean County (Bloomington) Office
📞 309-807-4915
📍 1012 Ekstam Drive, Suite 4, Bloomington, Illinois 61704
