Title: Custody of Children: Allocation of Parental Responsibilities | The Gitlin Law Firm
Headings: Custody of Children: Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
Custody of Children: Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
Who is awarded custody (parental responsibility) of the children?
I have heard it is extremely difficult for fathers to be awarded the majority of the parenting time in Illinois. Is this true?
Aren’t mothers usually awarded the majority of the parenting time?
So, I have heard that Illinois law now refers to “caretaking functions.” What does that mean?
So why is this list of caretaking functions important for the Illinois law?
What does “significant decision-making responsibilities” mean?
Isn’t there an age, like fourteen, when a child can decide where he or she will live?
Are contested child custody proceedings expensive?
Is it less expensive if a the case is settled?
Steps in Illinois Custody Litigation
—How about mediation?
—Let’s say that we tried to mediate and it did not work. We had some limited agreements but that was it. What happens next?
—”Custody” Disputes in the Collar Counties
About Joint Custody
What is usual parenting-time provision if one parent is awarded the significant majority of parenting time?
Recommendations by a Evaluator re Children’s Best Interest
Fathers represented by “Men’s Rights Lawyer”
—Will a father do better in court or in negotiations regarding child custody and child support if he is represented by a lawyer who advertises himself as a “Father’s Rights Lawyer?”
—Are child support laws stacked against the father?
Restrictions on Parenting Time
—Is it difficult to restrict parenting time (visitation)?
—So, what are the current standards if parenting time is restricted?
Other Tips
—Parent Checklist for Mediator, Court Appointed Mental Health Professional, or Attorney Meetings
—Is there a List of Recommended Do’s and Don’ts for People Going through a Dispute Involving Parenting Time or Parental Decision Making in Illinois?

Content: —Let’s say that we tried to mediate and it did not work. We had some limited agreements but that was it. What happens next? If mediation does not succeed, the judge may appoint a mental health professional to evaluate the parents and the child and give the judge a written report. The judge also might appoint a lawyer to represent the best interests of the child. Usually, the judge will appoint this lawyer to act on one of three ways: A guardian ad litem; A child representative; An attorney for the child. The parties will have contact in some way with any or all of the professionals appointed.