Child Custody Lawyer Serving Illinois Families
Parenting Time & Responsibilities for Your Child
When your relationship changes, your role as a parent doesn’t. Questions about where your children will live, how decisions will be made, and what life looks like moving forward can quickly become the most emotional part of any family law case.
Whether you’re establishing a parenting plan during divorce or returning to court because circumstances have changed, Angela helps parents build a parenting plan that holds up, one that reflects how your family actually lives, not a generic template.
What "Parenting Time" Actually Means in Child Custody
You’ve likely heard terms like child custody and visitation. Most parents still use them. But under Illinois law, the legal language has changed. Since 2016, Illinois has replaced “custody” and “visitation” with parenting time and decision-making responsibilities.
Parenting time refers to when your child is with each parent. Decision-making responsibilities refer to who makes major decisions about your child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and other significant aspects of their life.
The terminology may be different, but the goal remains the same: creating an arrangement that supports your child’s best interests while protecting each parent’s role in their life.
When Does Child Custody Come Up
Parenting issues don’t only arise during divorce. Angela regularly helps parents establish parenting plans from the beginning and return to court when those plans no longer fit their family’s reality.
As part of the initial divorce
For many families, parenting time and decision-making responsibilities are established while the divorce is pending. Angela works with you to negotiate, draft, and finalize a parenting plan that clearly outlines schedules, responsibilities, holidays, and other important details so everyone understands what comes next.
After your divorce is final
A court order isn’t always permanent. As your children grow and life changes, your parenting plan may need to change. Angela helps parents request modifications when circumstances have changed, whether that’s because of a new job, relocation, changes in a child’s needs, or a parent who isn’t following the existing agreement. If your current parenting arrangement no longer reflects your family’s reality, she can help you pursue a solution that does.
What Hiring Angela Looks Like as Your Child Custody Attorney
Every child custody case is different, which is why Angela starts by understanding your family, your concerns, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
She carefully reviews the facts, reads every document, and develops a strategy tailored to your situation. Whenever possible, she’ll work toward practical solutions through negotiation. But if your case requires litigation, she’ll be fully prepared to advocate for you in court.
You don’t have to personally attack the other parent to protect what matters to you. Angela will help you stand your ground, without trying to make the other parent disappear.
Please note: Angela cannot serve as your mediator once she is representing you as your attorney in this matter.
Angela’s Cost & Timeline for Child Custody Cases
Every parenting case is different, so costs and timelines depend on the issues involved, the level of conflict, and whether litigation is necessary.
Most child custody matters begin with a retainer, which Angela can outline during your consultation. Angela’s office bills in six-minute increments and sends invoices every two weeks, so you’ll always know where your case stands.
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Parental Alienation
If you feel like your child’s other parent is trying to push you out of your child’s life, you’re not imagining it.
Parental alienation can look like:
- Limiting communication with the other parent
- Refusing parenting time
- Speaking negatively about the other parent to the child
- Creating obstacles to an existing parenting arrangement
Angela handles these cases regularly and knows how to document a pattern of alienation, not just a single incident. She works to understand what’s happening, to protect your relationship with your child, and to pursue solutions that support your child’s best interests.
Orders of Protection for Child Custody Cases
Child custody disputes don’t always happen on their own. In some cases, concerns about parenting time are accompanied by threats, harassment, domestic violence, or other safety issues. If you’re dealing with both, Angela can help you understand your legal options and take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your children.
Learn more about orders of protection
Child Custody FAQs
How can I get full custody of my child?
Illinois courts no longer use the term “full custody,” but they can award one parent the majority or all of the parenting time or decision-making responsibilities when it’s in the child’s best interests. Every case is unique, and the court considers factors such as each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the ability of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
What's the difference between parenting time and custody in Illinois?
Illinois no longer uses the terms “custody” and “visitation” in family law cases. Instead, the law focuses on parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. Parenting time refers to when a child is with each parent, while decision-making responsibilities cover major choices involving education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities.
Who claims our child on their taxes with 50/50 custody?
There is no automatic rule that the parent with 50 percent parenting time claims the child. Parents can agree on who receives certain tax benefits, or the court can address the issue as part of the overall parenting and support arrangement. Because tax situations vary, it’s important to discuss the details of your specific circumstances.
Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases?
In many cases, each parent pays their own attorney’s fees. However, there are situations where the court may order one party to contribute to the other’s legal fees based on the financial circumstances of the parties or other factors allowed under Illinois law. Angela can explain how these rules may apply to your case.
How much does a child custody lawyer cost?
There isn’t a flat fee for child custody matters because every case requires a different level of work. Factors such as contested issues, negotiations, court appearances, and modifications all affect the overall cost. Angela’s office bills in six-minute increments and invoices every two weeks, with most matters beginning with a retainer.
Can you lose custody of a child for moving away?
Moving does not automatically mean you’ll lose parenting time or decision-making responsibilities. However, relocating with a child may require court approval, especially if the move affects the existing parenting schedule. Before making plans to relocate, it’s important to understand your legal obligations and options.
Can my child live with grandparents without custody?
Yes. Grandparents often provide care or housing for children without having legal custody. However, if grandparents need legal authority to make decisions for the child or seek court-ordered visitation, additional legal steps will be necessary. The answer depends on your family’s specific circumstances.
How long does a child custody case take in Illinois?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Cases where parents can reach agreements may resolve within a few months, while highly contested matters involving parenting time disputes, relocation requests, or complex family circumstances can take significantly longer. During your consultation, Angela can provide a more realistic timeline based on the facts of your case.
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You don’t have to navigate parenting issues on your own. Angela will read every detail of your case and tell you exactly what to expect next.