Local Orland Park Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Lawyer in Orland Park, IL

When parental relationships end through separation or divorce, each parent's responsibility to their children remains. Although you may not get along with your soon-to-be ex, you must focus on what is best for your children when allocating parental responsibilities. You need to develop a co-parenting plan that addresses your family's unique situation and needs.

The Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can provide the information, legal guidance, and support you need to tailor an effective plan that protects the best interests of your children. Attorney Barker will handle your family law matter personally from our office in Orland Park. Whether you are considering a divorce or need help modifying or enforcing existing orders, we can provide you with effective legal representation that will make a real difference.

Understanding Child Custody Legal Terms in Illinois

The terminology used in Illinois family law cases has changed over the past decade. Illinois law no longer refers to physical custody or legal custody. Instead, it uses the term "parenting time" to describe the time children will spend with each parent. "Parental responsibilities" refer to the authority to make major decisions for children. Rather than a custody agreement, you will create a parenting plan that details how you and the other parent will share parental responsibilities and divide parenting time. However, while the terms have changed, the basic concepts remain the same.

Considerations for Your Parenting Plan

There are many things you need to address in your parenting plan. Your attorney will help you draft a comprehensive plan that clearly defines each parent's roles and when your children will be with each parent. Your plan should also outline how you will deal with specific situations.

Parenting Time

Traditionally, it was common for children to live with their mothers and visit their fathers on weekends. While that still may be what is best for your family, many Illinois parenting plans divide parenting time between parents more equally. Some families choose a 50/50 arrangement that will allow children to spend equal amounts of time with each parent.

When deciding on parenting time schedules, you should focus on what is best for your children. That task is not always easy, but the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can help. We will discuss your unique situation, including factors that may suggest the best plan, such as:

• The work schedules of both parents
• The physical and mental health of parents and children
• The willingness of each parent to encourage their children to continue a healthy relationship with the other parent
• The distance between the parents' new homes
• The children's school and extracurricular activity schedules
• How much time each parent has spent taking care of the children's needs
• Any history of abuse, neglect, alcoholism, criminal activities, or drug usage

Each child's wishes may also be considered, depending on their age. There is no one-size-fits-all plan that works for everyone, but we will help you decide on the best plan for you.

Parental Responsibilities

Part of caring for your children involves making decisions that affect their lives. You need to consider whether both parents will make major decisions jointly, whether one parent will have sole decision-making authority, or if you will each be responsible for making specific kinds of decisions. This authority generally covers healthcare, education, religion or spirituality, and extracurricular activities.

Child Support

One parent may need to pay child support to the other so your children will be properly provided for. The amount that will be paid will be based on each parent's financial status and needs, the child's needs, the standard of living the child was accustomed to when their parents were living together, and the amount of time the child will spend with each parent. Your attorney can help you calculate the proper amount using the guidelines provided in Illinois law while also considering unique factors that may affect you and your family.

In addition, you will need to decide which parent will claim children as dependents for income tax purposes, who will be responsible for providing health insurance, and how other child-related expenses will be divided. Attorney Barker can help you reach an equitable arrangement that will meet your needs.

Legal Paternity

Unmarried parents may face unique challenges when addressing concerns related to child custody. The biological mother will have all parental rights and responsibilities unless the biological father establishes legal paternity. If you need to establish paternity in order to protect your parental rights or ensure that your child will receive child support, the legal team at the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can help.

Unexpected Circumstances

Co-parents need to work together for their children's sake. There will be times when you will need to speak with each other, and you may need to change parenting time schedules due to illnesses or other unexpected issues. You will need to agree on appropriate communication methods, the right of first refusal, and how to deal with unexpected situations that may arise. Our attorney can help ensure that these issues will be addressed in your parenting plan.

You may also need to modify or enforce your existing parenting plan or child support arrangements. The Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can help you address and resolve these concerns while making sure your parental rights and your children's best interests are protected.

Contact Our Orland Park, IL Child Custody Attorney

Working with the right family law attorney is critical when addressing legal issues related to your children. At the At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we will guide you through your child custody case and help you create a customized parenting plan that will meet your family's unique needs. Contact us at 708-321-1223 for your free consultation with our diligent Orland Park family law attorney.