ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

HOW ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES WORKS IN ILLINOIS

When children are involved in legal matters, they are the most important players. Going through the significant changes that divorce or separation brings can be stressful. As a parent, one way to make this process easier is to work with a lawyer who is experienced in the allocation of parental responsibilities. At Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler, P.C. in Rockford, we frequently work with families throughout Illinois and handle matters ranging from parenting time modifications to complex divorce.

We have multiple goals in mind when we represent our clients. We seek to provide highly personalized attention throughout each step of the legal process and work to resolve matters as quickly as possible. At Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler, P.C., we will put your priorities first.

Much of our practice is dedicated to handling family law matters. There is no charge for your first consultation. Contact our Rockford law office at 815-515-4168 to arrange an appointment.

CHANGES TO CHILD CUSTODY LAWS IN ILLINOIS

Prior to 2016, Illinois used to refer to determinations about where children would live after a divorce as child custody. Custody was typically awarded on two grounds, as physical and legal custody. While physical custody could be shared, the responsibility for making legal decisions about such things as a child’s education, medical care and religious choices was left to one parent alone.

Child custody created a win-lose dynamic, with one party feeling like he or she lost an important part of being a parent. This often resulted in animosity that lasted far after the last court date. To reduce negative feelings between parents and encourage co-parenting, Illinois changed its laws. The term child custody was eliminated and replaced with parental responsibilities.

ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the new law, parental duties are broken up into parenting time and decision-making responsibilities.

The courts decide parenting time by looking at what is in the children’s best interests. Factors for consideration include children’s ties to the community, their wishes and needs, their ages, who has cared for them in the past and more.

Decision-making responsibilities are awarded piecemeal. A court may divide responsibilities between parents or award all of the decision-making responsibilities to one parent.

OUR APPROACH TO PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY CASES

When we handle parental responsibility cases, we take a detailed approach to gathering information. We are able to look at the situation from a 360-degree standpoint and prepare your case in a way that fully advocates for your best interests. We strive to reach a successful outcome through mediation, classes and negotiation versus litigation. If we are unable to resolve matters this way, however, we are fully prepared to advocate for your interests in the courtroom.

CUSTODY AND MEDIATION RESOURCES

For more information on guardian ad litem matters and mediators in Illinois, click here. Our firm works frequently with Illinois mediator Eileen McCarten. She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor and educator. To learn more about her services, visit her website.

REPRESENTING CLIENTS IN LOVES PARK, ROSCOE, ROCKTON, BYRON AND FREEPORT — VISITATION ATTORNEY

At Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler, P.C., we offer free initial consultations for most cases. To schedule a consultation with attorney Brad Tengler, please contact us at 815-515-4168. Evening and weekend consultations can be scheduled for your convenience.