Helping Families Find Child Custody Solutions
When it comes to divorce, there’s nothing more important than ensuring your children have the most stable environment possible as we move through this process. Additionally, it’s imperative that both parties put aside their differences to ensure what happens is best for the growth and development of their children.
At Levo-Donohoo, LLC, our lawyers are experienced in child custody, known as parenting time in Illinois, and related issues. We will help you navigate these difficult situations while keeping the health and wellness of your children in mind. Whether custody is part of the divorce process, a paternity case or the separation of an unwed couple, we are here to answer your questions.
How Is Custody Determined?
The awarding of custody, or parenting time, is highly complicated and based on the individual characteristics of each case. The court takes various factors into account when determining the best interest of the child and the allocation of parental responsibility. Custody may be awarded to one or both parents with visitation rights granted to one or both or even grandparents. Furthermore, allocation of parental responsibility, or child custody, is broken down into two parts:
- Decision-making rights
- Parenting time/visitation rights
Child Support Payments
Part of the custody agreement may include child support payments from one parent to the other. Payments vary depending on the specifics of the case, and one party may be ordered to pay child support to the other party based upon the parenting time schedule and income of the parties.
Allocation Of Parenting Time (Custody/Visitation)
When it comes to parenting time, courts can make any restrictions they deem necessary. The specifics of each case determine what type of parenting rights will be granted based on the best interest of the child. A court may restrict a noncustodial parent’s parenting time/visitation if the court finds that the minor child is in serious endangerment.
- Supervised or unsupervised visits
- Specific locations for visits
- No visitation awarded
- No overnight visits
- No weekend visits
Establishment Of Paternity
One of the most important parts of creating a stable living environment for your child is the establishment of paternity. Paternity is established legally and provides the child with financial security in the form of inheritance, Social Security benefits, veterans benefits (when applicable), health insurance benefits, life insurance benefits and even access to medical history. However, paternity is not always known.
In the event of unwed parents, they may opt to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. However, if they do not sign, the matter may be resolved in court with an order for a paternity test to be performed. Please contact our staff for more details about paternity and paternity laws.
Contact Us Today
Find the answers you need to your child custody and support questions today. Call our office at 618-414-8428 or contact us online. We can meet with you in Troy or East Alton.