Blog: Child Custody
- How to Handle Summer Custody Disputes in Illinois When Your Parenting Plan Falls Apart
Jul 22, 2025
If your parenting plan isn’t going as expected this summer, you’re not alone. For many families in Illinois, summer can bring flexibility, but also friction. Vacation schedules, out-of-state travel, and missed pick-ups can quickly turn a peaceful co-parenting arrangement into a source of stress. So what can you do if your summer parenting plan starts to unravel? Here’s what Illinois parents need to know, and what steps you can take if your co-parent isn’t following...Read More - When the Court Appoints a Child Advocate in Illinois: What Parents Need to Know
Apr 9, 2025
Child custody disputes can be some of the most emotionally challenging and legally complex parts of a family law case. At When parents can’t agree on custody, Illinois courts may appoint a neutral third party attorney – known as a child advocate – to help determine what arrangement best serves the child’s needs. These advocates play a powerful role in shaping custody decisions, often influencing parenting time, parental responsibilities, and long-term outcomes. In this...Read More - Non-Biological Parents and Custody in Illinois: Legal Options for Stepparents, Guardians, and More
Oct 10, 2024
In Illinois, The Importance of Legal Parental Status in Illinois Custody Cases Illinois family law prioritizes the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. While biological parents are often central to these decisions, non-biological parents—such as stepparents, legal guardians, or adoptive parents—may petition for custody or visitation if they can prove that their involvement positively impacts the child’s well-being. Types of Non-Biological Parents Who Can Seek Custody or Parenting Time Non-biological parents...Read More - Understanding the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in Illinois Custody Disputes
Aug 15, 2024
Custody disputes What is a Guardian ad Litem? A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a court-appointed attorney or trained professional whose responsibility is to represent the best interests of the child in a custody dispute. Unlike the parents' attorneys, who advocate for their clients' interests, the GAL's sole focus is on what is best for the child. The GAL conducts an independent investigation into the family situation and provides the court with a report and...Read More - Understanding Child Custody Laws in Illinois
May 15, 2024
Child custody Types of Child Custody in Illinois Illinois law recognizes two main types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Each type can be awarded solely to one parent or jointly to both parents. Legal Custody Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility to make significant decisions regarding the child's life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. In Illinois, joint legal custody is often preferred, allowing both parents to share in decision-making. However,...Read More