McLean County and Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Child Custody Attorneys
If you are in the midst of a child custody dispute in McLean County, Illinois, Stange Law Firm, PC is prepared to assist you. Our attorneys help parents understand what courts look for when resolving custody matters and how decisions regarding legal and physical custody are made under Illinois law.
In Illinois, custody matters are addressed through a parenting plan that allocates parental responsibilities and parenting time, rather than using traditional custody and visitation terminology. These plans focus on decision-making authority and parenting schedules designed to promote stability for children. We welcome this approach and bring significant experience in developing comprehensive parenting plans that address the unique needs of each family.
When possible, we believe that resolving custody matters through settlement can be beneficial for children by reducing conflict between parents. However, when an agreement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for you in court, working diligently to protect your interests and ensure your position is clearly presented.
Bloomington, IL Child Custody Attorneys in McLean County and Serving Normal
Many of our lawyers have received awards and accolades. You can see those awards in their biographies. Kirk Stange, the Founding Partner of Stange Law Firm, PC, has been named a Super Lawyers Honoree by Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine. Mr. Stange is also Lead Counsel Verified.
You can also obtain more information about the McLean County Court in Bloomington, Illinois by going to the following links:
- McLean County Circuit Clerk’s Office: Click this link to find more information on the McLean County Circuit Clerk’s office
- McLean County Court Rules: More information about the McLean County Court rules can be found at this link here.
- Map to McLean County Courthouse: Are you in need of directions to the McLean County Courthouse? Click on the link provided.
- McLean County Domestic Relations Law Forms: Find the McLean County legal forms you’re looking for here.
- Illinois Child Support Estimate: Are you wishing you knew what the estimated cost was going to be for your child support payments in Illinois? Click here to use the calculator provided.
Bloomington, Illinois Child Custody Lawyers Ready To Boldly Represent Your Interests in Custody Cases in McLean County, Illinois and Normal
We represent clients in an array of child custody matters, including:
- Joint custody, physical custody and legal custody arrangements in Bloomington, IL
- Visitation rights and parenting time enforcement in Bloomington, IL
- Bloomington, IL Relocation cases: View information about relocation cases in Bloomington, IL.
- Bloomington, IL dissolution of marriage lawyers: Find information about dissolution attorneys in Bloomington, IL here.
- Bloomington, IL paternity cases: Information about paternity cases in Bloomington, IL can be found here.
- Bloomington, IL child support: View any additional information needed about child support matters in Bloomington, IL.
At Stange Law Firm, PC, we only practice domestic relations law. If you choose our firm, you will have a law firm by your side with the experience, compassion and insight to navigate you through your case no matter where you live in McLean County, Illinois.
Changes to Illinois Child Custody Law
In Illinois, the term “child custody” is no longer being used. Now, courts call it “allocation of parental responsibilities.” Each parent is “allocated” decision-making power by Illinois courts on important decisions, such as: health, religion, education and extracurricular activities. Some parents have a hard time communicating well with each other and this new rule allows parents to still both be involved in the life of their child even if communication is problematic between them.
Child Custody in Bloomington, Illinois
Child custody matters in Bloomington, Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and often arise in connection with a dissolution of marriage, parentage actions, or requests to modify an existing parenting order. When parents are unable to reach an agreement, the court will establish arrangements intended to promote the child’s best interests, stability, and overall well-being.
Illinois law approaches child custody with a focus on cooperation, structure, and the child’s long-term needs.
Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time
Illinois no longer uses traditional custody and visitation terminology. Instead, courts address child custody through the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.
Parental responsibilities involve decision-making authority over significant aspects of a child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Parenting time determines when the child spends time with each parent and how schedules are structured.
These responsibilities may be shared between parents or allocated primarily to one parent, depending on what best serves the child.
How Courts Evaluate Child Custody Issues
Courts in Illinois determine parenting arrangements based on the best interests of the child. Judges consider a variety of factors, which may include:
Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
The child’s relationship with parents and other important individuals
The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
Each parent’s ability to cooperate and make decisions jointly
The mental and physical health of all parties
Any history of domestic violence or safety concerns
The practical impact of parenting schedules on the child
Illinois law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender, income, or marital status.
Parenting Plans
Parents are generally required to submit a parenting plan that outlines parental responsibilities and parenting time. Parenting plans are intended to reduce conflict, provide clarity, and create consistency for the child. If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will enter one based on the evidence presented.
Custody Matters Involving Unmarried Parents
For parents who are not married, parental rights and responsibilities are established through a parentage action. Once legal parentage is confirmed, either parent may request the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.
Domestic Violence and Child Safety
Illinois courts must consider any allegations or evidence of domestic violence or abuse when making decisions about parental responsibilities and parenting time. If safety concerns exist, the court may impose restrictions or conditions to protect the child.
Modifying Parenting Orders
Parenting orders may be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances and the requested modification would be in the child’s best interests. Courts carefully review modification requests to balance stability with the child’s changing needs.
Child Custody Matters in Bloomington and McLean County
Child custody cases in Bloomington are handled through the courts serving McLean County. Parenting plans are commonly required, and mediation may be encouraged to help parents reach workable solutions. The court’s primary goal is to establish parenting arrangements that support the child’s long-term stability, safety, and development.
Contact Bloomington, IL Child Custody Attorneys in McLean County and Serving Normal
Are you looking to hire an experienced child custody attorney to help you with your child custody matter? If so, contact us online or by phone to schedule a confidential consultation at our McLean County Office in Bloomington. Information about this location is below:
McLean County (Bloomington), IL Office: 309-807-4915. Click to learn more about this location. 1012 Ekstam Drive, Suite 4, Bloomington, Illinois 61704.
