Parenting Allocation Attorney in Oak Park, IL.

Child Custody Issues Lawyer

When parents decide to divorce, they must make decisions regarding where their children will live and who will make certain decisions for them, and disagreements over these issues can lead to incredibly contentious disputes. However, if parents keep their children's best interests in mind, they can make an effort to work together to reach a mutually agreeable resolution that will allow them to both play an active, ongoing role in their children's lives.

At Capraro Law, we have more than 20 plus years of experience helping parents resolve issues related to their children, and we will work to protect your children's best interests throughout the divorce process.

Allocation of Parental Responsibility In Illinois

Recently, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was revised to address the changing nature of parent/child relationships. Rather than granting sole or joint custody of children to parents, the law now uses the term "allocation of parental responsibility," identifying the 4 areas of decision-making responsibility which can be granted to one parent or shared between the parents.

The areas are:
1.) Education
2.) Healthcare (including medical & dental care)
3.) Religion
4.) Extracurricular Activities

Parents are encouraged to work together (through mediation, collaborative law, or negotiations) to decide how these responsibilities will be allocated, but if they cannot reach an agreement, the decision will be left up to the court. When determining how to allocate parental responsibilities, a judge will consider several factors, including:

• The wishes of the parents and children, while taking children's level of maturity and their capability to express their desires into consideration
• The needs of the children and their adjustment to their home, school & community
• The physical and mental health of parents & children
• Each parent's past level of participation in making decisions for their children, as well as any previous agreements or conduct between the parents related to decision-making
• The level of conflict between parents which may affect their ability to make decisions, and their ability to cooperate in decision making
• Each parent's willingness to encourage a close, ongoing relationship between their children and the other parent
• The distance between the parents' homes, the difficulty and cost of transporting children between these homes, and the parents' willingness to cooperate in this transportation
• Whether a child has been the victim of physical violence or abuse, or if there is any other reason a parent's responsibility should be restricted

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Advocate

Capraro Law understand the strong emotions that are involved in the decisions surrounding children during divorce, and we work with our clients with the goal of reaching a resolution that provides the best possible outcome for children. For a skilled legal advocate who will work to protect your rights and your children's best interests.

Call Capraro Law Today For An Appointment @ 708.383.6551
1010 Lake St. #612
Oak Park, IL. 60301