Chicago, Illinois Child Custody Attorneys in Cook County

Cook County and Chicago, Illinois (Rolling Meadows) Child Custody Attorneys

If you are in the midst of a child custody dispute in Cook County, Illinois, the attorneys at Stange Law Firm, PC are available to assist you. From our Rolling Meadows, Illinois office, we help clients understand how courts address issues involving legal and physical custody and provide guidance throughout every stage of the case.

In Illinois, courts now rely on a parenting plan that allocates parental responsibilities and parenting time, rather than using the traditional terms “custody” and “visitation.” These plans are designed to address decision-making authority and parenting schedules in a way that promotes stability for children. Our firm has extensive experience working with comprehensive parenting plans and helping parents resolve these issues effectively.

When possible, we believe that reaching an agreement through settlement can benefit both parents and children by reducing conflict and uncertainty. However, we also understand that settlement is not always achievable. If a custody matter must be resolved in court, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for you with care and diligence, working to protect your interests and keep the children’s well-being at the forefront.

Chicago, IL (Rolling Meadows) Child Custody Lawyers Serving Cook County and Nearby

Many of our lawyers have received awards and accolades. You can see those awards in their biographies. Attorneys at Stange Law Firm, PC have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as Rising Stars and Super Lawyers Honorees, among many other accolades.

You can also learn more information about the Cook County Court in Chicago, Illinois, by visiting the following links:

• Cook County Circuit Clerk’s Office: Click this link to find more information on the Cook County Circuit Clerk’s office

• Cook County Court Rules: More information about the local Cook County court rules can be found at this link here.

• Map to Cook County Courthouse: Are you in need of directions to the Cook County Courthouse? Click on the link provided.

• Cook County Domestic Relations Forms: Find the Cook 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.

Chicago, Illinois (Rolling Meadows) Child Custody Lawyers Ready To Diligently Represent Your Interests in Custody Matters in Cook County, Illinois

From our office in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, we represent clients in an array of child custody matters, including:

• Joint custody, physical custody and legal custody arrangements in Chicago, Illinois

• Visitation rights and parenting time enforcement in Chicago, Illinois

• Chicago, IL relocation cases: View information about relocation cases in Chicago, Illinois.

• Chicago, IL dissolution of marriage lawyers: Find information about dissolution attorneys in Chicago, Illinois here.

• Chicago, IL paternity cases: Information about paternity cases in Chicago, Illinois can be found here.

• Chicago, IL child support: View any additional information needed about child support matters in Chicago, Illinois.

At Stange Law Firm, PC, we have focused our practice solely on matters relating to domestic relations law. When working with our attorneys, you will have a firm on your side with the experience, knowledge and diligence to compassionately and effectively guide you through the process of your matter.

Changes to Illinois Child Custody Law

In the State of Illinois, the term “allocation of parental responsibilities” has replaced the term “child custody.” Each individual parent is “allocated” decision making power by the Illinois Courts on important decisions. These decisions include health, religion, education and extracurricular activities. Because some parties have a difficult time communicating well with each other, this new rule allows both parents to still be involved in the life of the child, without problematic communication between the parties affecting the child’s or children’s well-being.

Child Custody in Chicago, Illinois

Legal Guide and Overview Under Illinois Law

Child custody matters in Chicago, Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) and most commonly arise in a dissolution of marriage, parentage actions, or proceedings to modify an existing custody or parenting order. Illinois law no longer uses the term “custody” in a traditional sense, instead focusing on parental responsibilities and parenting time, with the goal of promoting the child’s best interests and long-term well-being.

This guide provides an educational overview of how child custody issues are handled under Illinois law.

Best Interests of the Child Standard

Illinois courts determine parenting arrangements based on what serves the child’s best interests. Judges evaluate the circumstances of each family and consider a range of statutory factors rather than relying on a fixed formula.

Factors the court may consider include:

• The wishes of each parent

• The wishes of the child, taking into account the child’s age and maturity

• The child’s relationship with parents, siblings, and other significant individuals

• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community

• The mental and physical health of all parties involved

• Each parent’s past participation in decision-making and caregiving

• Each parent’s ability to cooperate and make decisions jointly

• Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or threats to the child’s safety

• The distance between the parents’ residences and its impact on the child

Illinois law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender, income, or marital status.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Instead of using traditional custody terminology, Illinois courts allocate parental responsibilities, which address decision-making authority for major aspects of a child’s life.

Parental responsibilities may be allocated for areas such as:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Religious upbringing

• Extracurricular activities

Decision-making authority may be shared between parents or assigned primarily to one parent, depending on what best serves the child.

Parenting Time

Parenting time refers to the schedule that determines when the child spends time with each parent. Illinois courts encourage parenting arrangements that allow children to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents when appropriate.

Parenting time schedules may include:

• Regular weekly schedules

• Weekends and holidays

• School breaks and summer periods

• Transportation and exchange arrangements

Courts may restrict or condition parenting time if necessary to protect the child’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.

Parenting Plans

Illinois courts generally require parents to submit a parenting plan that outlines parental responsibilities and parenting time. Parenting plans are designed to reduce conflict, clarify expectations, and provide consistency for the child.

If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will establish one based on the evidence presented.

Custody Matters Involving Unmarried Parents

For unmarried parents, parental rights and responsibilities are established through a parentage action. Once legal parentage is established, either parent may seek the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.

Domestic Violence and Child Safety

Illinois courts must consider any evidence of domestic violence or abuse when determining parental responsibilities and parenting time. If safety concerns exist, the court may limit parenting time, order supervised visitation, or impose other protective measures to safeguard the child.

Modification of Parenting Orders

Parenting orders may be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances and the requested modification would serve the child’s best interests. Illinois law applies specific time and evidentiary standards depending on how recently the prior order was entered.

Child Custody Matters in Chicago and Cook County

Child custody matters in Chicago are handled through the courts serving Cook County. Parenting plans are typically required, and mediation may be encouraged or ordered in some instances. The court’s primary objective remains establishing arrangements that support the child’s stability, safety, and overall well-being.