Our child custody lawyer in Illinois answers frequently asked questions that we receive from new clients. We understand why there are so many questions, too, because there's a lot of misinformation about child custody. Plus, each state law varies significantly or subtly on child custody. We are here to dispel the misinformation, clarify misunderstandings, and provide the right information so you can make smart, informed decisions about your child and your unique situation.
- Common Arrangements
- Unmarried Parents
- Custody Decisions
- Legal vs. Physical
- One-Parent Custody?
- Do You Need a Lawyer?
- Contact Us
If you still have questions or want more specific information about your child custody matter, contact The Law Firm of Erin N Birt PC (Birt Family Law) today either by using our online form or calling us directly at (630) 891-2478.
What is the most common child custody arrangement in Illinois?
Child custody arrangements vary from family to family and state to state. There are several arrangements that are more popular than others, including legal custody, physical custody, sole custody, joint legal custody, and sole legal custody. Of these, joint legal custody is the most common custody arrangement. This is where both parents are involved in the decisions regarding how their child is raised.
In Illinois, "joint custody" is technically no longer a term used by attorneys or the court as we know identify an allocation of parental decision making responsibilities. Parental responsibilities may be allocated to both parents such that they have to jointly discuss and decide major decisions effecting a child or a particular decision can be allocated to one party. For instance, in Illinois, you must allocate the decision make responsibilities for decisions relating to education, medical, religion, and extracurricular activities to either both parties or to a specific parent.
If we were never married, do I still need a custody order?
The answer to this question depends on your end goal. If you are seeking to establish any rights to the child, including custody, decision making responsibilities, visitation, parenting time, or child support, paternity does need to be confirmed by a court order. Most states hold that when a child is born out of wedlock, the mother has sole custody unless a court has held otherwise in an order. The order is similar to divorcing parents and we call the order an Allocation Judgment.
How is child custody determined in DuPage County and other Illinois counties?
In most states and most situations, when the parents of a child are able to agree on a child custody arrangement, the court will issue an order that confirms the terms of the agreement, called an Allocation Judgment. When the parties are unable to reach an agreement on their own, they may have to attend mediation to see if that helps. If mediation fails, you might have a Guardian ad litem appointed to investigate and make recommendations about the best interest of a child. When all else fails, the Court will hear the matter and issue an order or judgment the parties must abide by. The Court will consider testimony of the parties and third parties, the report of a court-appointed guardian that is looking out for the best interest of the child, and other evidence when deciding child custody. The best interest of the child is always the criteria the court uses in these decisions.
What's the difference between legal and physical custody?
When a parent has physical custody, they actually have the physical child placed with them. This is the parent that lives with the child and takes care of their everyday needs. One parent may have primary physical custody while the other has secondary physical custody.
A parent that has legal custody is the one that is allowed to make important decisions about the child, including decisions regarding the child's medical care, education, and religious upbringing. Joint legal custody may be awarded to both parents so that they both have input in making these important decisions for their child.
Does custody always go to one parent?
This is an incorrect assumption many people make. The answer is “no.” The truth is that courts often award other types of custody arrangements, such as joint physical custody, joint legal custody, or a combination of both. Some states do require a primary custodian, though, but that does not mean one parent gets full custody.
The courts always consider the evidence and the best interest of the child to be of paramount concern.
Do I need a child custody lawyer in DuPage County and other Illinois counties?
It's really up to you if you want a child custody lawyer. As for needing one, that depends on what is meant by that. Child custody laws are nuanced yet stringent. Mistakes are not affordable because the custody of your child is at stake.
In many cases, parents mutually agree on child custody arrangements, and so that makes the matter easier. In some of those cases, though, a parent may have felt compelled to agree, and so having a family law attorney advise you on what's fair (or not) is beneficial. In contentious or not agreed upon situations, a child custody lawyer is highly recommended. It takes skills, knowledge, and a lot of perseverance to make sure the child custody arrangement approved or ordered by the Court is fair and just and reflects what you had anticipated.
Contact Our Child Custody Lawyer in Illinois Today
If you need help with a child custody case, contact The Law Firm of Erin N Birt PC (Birt Family Law). Our child custody attorney in Illinois will advise you of your rights and guide you through the process. Contact us online or at (630) 891-2478 to schedule either an introductory telephone call or Planning Session with Erin (in person preferred).
