Not in the way it once did. Since 2016, Illinois law refers to the “allocation of parental responsibilities,” which covers decision-making and parenting time. Many people still use the word “custody” in everyday conversation, but the legal terms have changed.
Child Custody
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Parenting Time & Parental Responsibilities
Child custody is one of the most personal and emotional parts of any family law matter. In Illinois, the rules changed significantly in 2016, and the courts now focus on parental responsibilities rather than the older idea of “custody.” For parents, these decisions shape daily life, from where the children live to who makes major choices about their education, health, and upbringing. Understanding how Illinois law works and how it applies to your family can help you protect your children’s well-being and your relationship with them.
At Reifman Law Offices, we serve Illinois families with almost 20 years of legal experience and a genuine commitment to treating each client with understanding and respect. Whether you are going through the divorce process or you have a child outside of marriage, we can help you pursue a custody resolution that meets your family’s needs and keeps your children’s best interests at the center of the process.
Who We Help
Every family’s situation is different, but many parents come to us facing similar concerns. We help parents in cases such as these:
- A parent who is getting divorced and is worried about where the children will live, how often they will see them, and who gets to make major decisions.
- A parent who was never married to the other parent and needs a formal order for paternity, parenting time, decision-making, and child support.
- One parent is not following the current parenting plan, or the schedule no longer works because something has changed.
- One parent wants to move, or the parents already live far apart, and the current schedule no longer works for school, travel, or exchanges.
- The parents cannot agree on parenting time, school choice, healthcare, safety concerns, or what arrangement is best for the child.
If your situation looks like one of these, or if you simply have questions about your rights, we can help you understand your options and plan a path forward.
The Child Custody Process in Illinois
The 2016 changes to Illinois child custody law were designed to support arrangements in which children keep strong, healthy relationships with both parents. Courts now address the “allocation of parental responsibilities,” which has two main parts: decision-making and parenting time.
Decision-making replaces the older idea of “legal custody.” It refers to each parent’s authority to make significant choices about the children, including their education, health care, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. A court may grant this authority to one parent or, more often, divide it between both. When parents share decision-making, they also need a plan for how they will communicate and reach decisions together.
Parenting time replaces the older terms “physical custody” and “visitation.” It refers to the time children spend living with and being cared for by each parent. In most cases, both parents receive substantial parenting time, though the exact schedule depends on factors such as work schedules, living arrangements, and the children’s routines. A parenting plan usually sets out a schedule of overnight stays, along with arrangements for transportation, holidays, and special occasions.
Illinois courts encourage parents to work together on a parenting plan whenever possible, since an agreement between parents often serves the children best. When parents cannot agree, the court will decide based on the children’s best interests. In a contested case, the court considers the testimony of both parents and may appoint a child representative, such as a guardian ad litem. The court weighs factors including:
- The children’s needs, routines, and preferences
- Each parent’s physical and mental health
- The current relationships between parents and children, along with each parent’s past involvement in child care and decision-making
- Each parent’s willingness to cooperate and support the children’s relationship with the other parent
- Any threats or dangers a parent may pose to the children’s health or well-being
Whether you reach an agreement or your case goes to court, keeping your children’s best interests first is essential. We can help you show the court that you have these interests in mind and that you are able to provide for them.
Why Choose Us
Choosing the right attorney can make a real difference during a stressful time. Families across the Schaumburg area trust Reifman Law Offices because of how we approach each case:
- Experience that counts. We have represented Illinois parents for almost 20 years, and we know how local courts handle parental responsibilities and parenting time.
- A personal approach. We take the time to learn about your family, your goals, and your concerns, then build a strategy around what matters most to you and your children.
- Clear guidance. We explain the legal process in plain language so you always understand your options and what to expect at each step.
- Steady support. We treat clients with the understanding and respect they deserve, and we keep your children’s well-being at the heart of every decision.
- Practical solutions. We work toward cooperative agreements when possible, and we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court when an agreement is not possible.
From your first consultation through the final order, we keep you informed, prepared, and supported.
Contact an Arlington Heights Parental Responsibilities Attorney
Child custody questions can feel heavy, but you do not have to face them alone. With the right legal guidance, you can protect your relationship with your children and reach an arrangement that supports their happiness and stability. Reifman Law Offices is ready to help you understand your rights and pursue a resolution that fits your family.
To get started with a free consultation, contact us today. We represent parents in Arlington Heights, Palatine, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, West Dundee, Barrington, Streamwood, Rolling Meadows, and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between decision-making and parenting time?
Decision-making is each parent’s authority to make major choices about the children, such as their education, health care, and religious upbringing. Parenting time is the time children spend living with and being cared for by each parent. A parenting plan addresses both.
Can we create our own parenting plan?
Yes. Illinois courts encourage parents to agree on a parenting plan whenever possible, since a cooperative agreement often serves children best. If you reach an agreement, the court will review it to confirm it supports the children’s best interests before approving it.
What happens if the other parent will not follow the current order?
If a parent does not follow the parenting plan, you may ask the court to enforce the order. We can help you document what is happening and request the relief that fits your situation.
Can a parenting plan be changed later?
Yes. Life changes, and parenting plans can be modified when circumstances change in a meaningful way, such as a move, a new work schedule, or a shift in the children’s needs. We can help you request a modification and present it to the court.
Do I need a formal order if I was never married to the other parent?
Often, yes. Unmarried parents may need a formal order that establishes paternity along with parenting time, decision-making, and child support. This helps protect your rights and creates a clear, enforceable arrangement.
At Reifman Law Offices,
we will take the weight of dealing with family legal issues off of your shoulders.
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Cost is a significant factor when considering hiring a lawyer. At Reifman Law Offices, we understand that our clients are real people—people on a budget with limited time.
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What Our Clients say about us
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