St. Charles Child Custody Attorneys

Lawyers for the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Serving Clients in Kane County

Child custody matters, now called the allocation of parental responsibilities, are some of the most hotly contested matters in all of family law. Whether part of divorce proceedings, post-divorce modifications, paternity matters, or situations where unmarried parents choose to end their relationship, issues related to parental responsibilities inspire strong emotions and aggressive legal maneuvering.

At the Kane County family law firm of Goostree Law Group, we are skilled in handling all types of child-related matters. As experienced negotiators and litigators, we know how to effectively advocate for our clients and their children's best interests.

Skilled Child Custody Representation in Kane County

In Illinois, parental responsibilities include significant decision-making authority, which is to be allocated between the parents so that the best interests of the child are fully protected. Depending on the circumstances of a case and what a judge believes will be in the best interests of the children involved, either joint custody or sole custody arrangements may be appropriate. However, in most cases, parents are able to share parental responsibilities, meaning that they share in the right to make important decisions regarding the child.

A parenting plan is used to carefully spell out each parent's rights and responsibilities in regards to the child(ren). In addition to specifying how parental responsibilities will be allocated, it will detail parenting time schedules, and in most cases, both parents will have the right to spend reasonable amounts of time with their child(ren). We work closely with our clients to negotiate and draft parenting plans that are both effective and comprehensive so that everyone understands what is expected of them.

While a shared parenting arrangement is typically the preferred outcome for the court, one parent may be granted all significant decision-making responsibilities when the court feels it is in the best interest of the child. When one parent is granted such authority, that parent alone has the right to make decisions for the child without consulting the other parent. The parent who does not have primary custody of the child maintains parenting time rights – previously called visitation – in most cases, however.

Our attorneys can help parents address multiple issues related to child custody. In addition to negotiating parenting plans, we can help determine when psychological evaluations of parents or other parties may be necessary. We can provide guidance on how criminal charges may affect child custody decisions and when parental rights may be terminated. We can also provide representation in cases involving the planned relocation of a custodial parent or a parent who shares equal child custody.

Child Custody FAQs

Negotiating and Litigating Parental Responsibilities and Custody Disputes

Ideally, parents should work together with their attorneys to negotiate an amicable child custody agreement. Our attorneys strive to resolve parenting matters as painlessly as possible with an emphasis on preserving familial harmony in the future. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. Child-related cases often become contentious and require litigation. We understand how important child custody issues are to our clients, and we will aggressively represent your interests before a judge in a high-conflict divorce or child custody case.

Contact Our Kane County Child Custody Attorneys

If you are involved in a custody dispute or need assistance negotiating a parenting plan, contact us at 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation. We will go over the details of your situation and explain your legal options. Our attorneys work closely with our clients to find effective and efficient solutions to child-related matters. We provide experienced legal representation to clients throughout Northern Illinois, including Kane County and the surrounding areas.