Making decisions on custody issues may be a lengthy and difficult legal process for any parent. If you are filing for custody of your children during or after a divorce, contact an Orland Park child custody lawyer at Reidy Law Office for help understanding your rights concerning the allocation of parental responsibility, factors determining the child’s best interests, and custody modification laws. An experienced family attorney could give you the professional assistance you may need for your case.
Since custody cases in Orland Park are based on the children’s best interests, the courts may often encourage the use of joint custody while still considering certain factors that might affect a parent’s qualifications for custody. As established by Illinois law, these may include the parent’s ability to cooperate effectively regarding joint custody matters, their residential circumstances, and any other factors that may affect or be in the child’s best interests. An Orland Park child custody lawyer could assist you in learning more about how child custody laws may affect your parental rights.
Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/602.5 and 5/602.7, Orland Park residents could expect courts to determine child custody using relevant factors based on the best interests of the child. These may include but are not necessarily limited to:
There are three basics ways in which parental responsibility may be allocated in Orland Park. A child custody lawyer in Orland Park could help you determine which type of custody may be most appropriate for your situation.
A Joint allocation or joint legal custody could occur when both parents share parental responsibilities regarding their child’s education, health, religion, and extra-curricular activities.
Split allocation could occur when the court orders any combination in the best interest of the children. The mom, who is a doctor, could be awarded sole decision making for healthcare decisions while the dad, who is a teacher, could be awarded sole decision making for education decisions. The parties are awarded joint decision making for religion and extracurricular activities.
A sole custody arrangement is one in where only one parent has the legal responsibility (“allocation”) for their children and the non-custodial parent has visitation rights (“parenting time”) unless otherwise stated by the court.
Parenting time is often confused with “custody.” The living arrangements of a child do not determine “custody” or allocation. Children could live with mom during the weekdays, but the parents may share joint decision making. In a joint physical custody arrangement, both parents share the children’s living arrangements and either parent exercises “caretaking functions and non-significant decision-making responsibilities,” or parenting time. There are many factors that determine the living situation of your children, but the parents’ willingness to put their kids first typically ends with a good living arrangement.
750 ILCS 5/610.5 dictates that after the court grants a custody order, they may modify the order if there is a substantial change in circumstances and if the modification is in the best interest of the child. The custody order cannot be modified until at least two years after the initial order.
Child custody could be difficult to navigate, and it may be important to seek an outside opinion to understand the best way to divide child custody based on your circumstances. If you are involved in a custody dispute, an Orland Park child custody lawyer could be ready to assist you. Contact the Reidy Law Office LLC today at (708) 942-8428 to learn more about your rights and how we could help you assert them.
Contemplating divorce is a profound step that involves emotional, financial, and legal considerations. Our "Am I Ready for Divorce?" checklist is a sensitively designed tool that helps individuals thoughtfully assess their readiness for this life-altering decision. This resource aims to guide you through introspection and practical evaluation, ensuring that your decision to pursue a divorce is made with both clarity and foresight.
In any legal or financial undertaking, having a comprehensive and organized set of financial records is critical. Our "Financial Records Checklist" is crafted to give you the clarity and control needed to manage your finances effectively. Whether you're preparing for tax season, undergoing legal proceedings, or simply aiming to get your financial house in order, this checklist is an indispensable tool for ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Divorce not only signifies a major shift in the lives of the parents but also heralds a period of adjustment and emotional transition for the children involved. Our meticulously crafted checklist, "Do Your Kids Need Therapy After Divorce?" is a vital resource for parents concerned about the psychological welfare of their children during and after a divorce. This checklist serves as a compassionate guide for recognizing signs of distress and taking proactive steps to support your child's mental health.
Divorce can be a complex and emotionally taxing journey, but when both parties agree on the key terms, an uncontested divorce can offer a more amicable and efficient path forward. Our Uncontested Divorce Checklist is a comprehensive guide designed to provide individuals with a clear roadmap through the legal process when there are no children involved. This free resource ensures that you are well-prepared, informed, and ready to proceed with confidence.