Aurora, IL Child Custody Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers Helping Parents Resolve Custody Issues in Aurora Family Law Cases

When parents choose to separate or divorce, the transitions that a family will need to undergo can be very emotional. Questions may arise about where a child will live, how major decisions will be made, and how time with each parent will be structured. Parents will want to take steps to protect the well-being of their children while also maintaining their parental rights. A solid parenting plan is crucial in these cases, but crafting and enforcing a parenting plan can be a complex matter.

A qualified attorney who understands the intricacies of Illinois family law can provide crucial guidance throughout this process. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we have extensive legal experience in these areas, and we provide informed legal representation, helping parents develop practical parenting plans that will meet their needs. We are committed to helping parents work collaboratively whenever possible, ensuring that they will be able to co-parent their children effectively in the years to come.

Understanding Parenting Plans in Illinois

During a family law case involving children, parents will be required to create a parenting plan, which will address the allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as child custody) and parenting time (formerly known as visitation). These plans are designed to outline how parents will work together to raise their children. The law encourages both parents to remain actively involved in their children's lives, as long as this will be in the child's best interest.

When making decisions about children's best interests, a court will look at factors such as:

• How children can maintain a close, positive relationship with both parents
• The ability and willingness of parents to meet children's needs
• The children's relationship with both parents
• The mental and physical health of all parties involved
• Children's wishes (depending on the age of the child)

If both parents agree on the terms of a parenting plan, their agreement will be submitted to the court, and it will become legally binding once it is approved by a judge. However, when disagreements occur, the court may order the parents to use mediation to attempt to reach agreements. Should mediation prove unsuccessful, the judge may appoint a guardian ad litem, child representative, or court-approved custody evaluator to conduct a thorough assessment and provide recommendations about what would serve the children's best interests.

To help limit expenses in these cases and develop a working relationship between parents, it is often best to use collaborative law, which will help parents cooperate with each other and put their children's needs first. While these matters can be complex and emotional, and they can lead to heated disputes, parents who focus on the best interests of their children can often reach satisfactory resolutions. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we have the experience needed to help resolve child custody issues amicably, regardless of their complexity.

Addressing Child Support Along With Child Custody

Child support is another critical aspect of co-parenting. Both parents will have the obligation to provide the necessary support to meet their children's needs, and these obligations are calculated using formulas defined in Illinois law.

While child support will typically cover basic living expenses such as children's food, clothing, and shelter, parents may also need to address additional expenses, including healthcare, educational expenses, and child care. After child support orders are put in place by a family court, the parents' obligations will be enforceable by law. Failure to comply can lead to wage garnishment, fines, and other penalties.

Our lawyers can provide clear guidance on how child support is calculated, making sure all financial factors affecting both parents are fully considered. We work to resolve disputes that may arise, and we will strive to ensure that children's financial needs will be addressed during a family law case.

Modification and Enforcement of Parenting Plans

When a significant change occurs in the lives of children or parents, modifications to a parenting plan may be necessary. Common reasons for modifying a parenting plan include:

• The planned relocation of a parent, especially if this will affect the current parenting time schedule
• Changes in a child's needs, such as medical conditions or educational requirements
• Changes in parental employment or availability
• Concerns about a child's safety or well-being

When one parent fails to follow the terms of their parenting plan, enforcement actions may be necessary. A parent who denies the other parent scheduled parenting time or violates decision-making arrangements can face legal consequences. The court may issue orders requiring a party to comply with the parenting plan, awarding makeup parenting time that has been missed, or even altering the existing plan if repeated violations occur.

If you are seeking to modify your parenting time schedules or the allocation of parental responsibilities, or if you need help enforcing the terms of your parenting plan, our legal team can work with you to address these issues. We will advise you of your requirements, and we will guide you through each step of the legal process, working to protect your parental rights and your children's well-being.

Contact Our Aurora, Illinois Child Custody Lawyers

Decisions made during a family law case can have a long-lasting impact on your child's future and your rights as a parent. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we are here to provide you with legal support that will prioritize your family's needs. Whether you are creating a new parenting plan, establishing child support arrangements, or need to modify or enforce your existing child custody orders, we will guide you through these matters with compassion. Call 630-409-8184 or contact our Aurora child custody and visitation attorneys to schedule a free, confidential consultation.