A healthy parent-child relationship is dependent upon the child’s time spent with his or her parent. When the child’s parents do not reside together, providing such time can be particularly challenging. At the Davi Law Group, we believe that every parent has the right to a meaningful relationship with his or child, and we will work hard to protect our clients’ parenting time. Our attorneys are equipped to work with clients through visitation issues that can arise in divorce, child custody or parentage/paternity matters. We are known throughout the region for our approach to client service, and we believe that reputation is based on our commitment to keeping the needs of our clients and their children our top priority.
Upon the determination of paternity or the creation of a custody order, visitation generally follows. In the vast majority of cases, a parent not granted primary physical custody is awarded reasonable rights of visitation. Charges of domestic violence or other illegal involvement may be cause for restriction of a parent’s visitation rights. In the most serious cases, visitation may be blocked altogether. Child-related concerns are required by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act to be decided upon consideration of the child’s best interests. To protect the child’s well-being, an appointed representative for the child, such as a guardian ad litem, may be utilized in any visitation and custody proceedings.
When the court is presented reason to believe that a child is seriously endangered during visits with a parent, a modification to existing orders may be appropriate. Immediate relief may be granted, as well, in the form of restraining orders or orders of protection, to protect the child from imminent danger. Modifications may also be sought based upon changing circumstances in the life of the child or parents. Our attorneys can help families be sure that their visitation and custody orders continue to meet their needs as life presents new challenges.
There are a number of sections of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act that address various aspects of visitation and enforcement of rights. Many of them will be amended in 2016, as recently-signed legislation will refocus the courts’ approach to custody and visitation. The concepts of custody and visitation are evolving to meet the needs of modern families, and starting next year, will generally be referred to as “allocated parental responsibilities” and “parenting time,” respectively. Most of the guiding principles in the law will remain essentially the same, including avenues for enforcement, factors for determining the best interests of the child, and the option to include the right of first refusal in parenting agreements.
A good visitation agreement is one that is customized to meet your family’s specific needs and circumstances. Shared parenting time often requires a detailed schedule that takes into account birthdays, holidays, school breaks, extracurricular activities, and family traditions. In some cases, a visitation plan may include grandparents or other family members as well. At the Davi Law Group, we will work in cooperation with every involved party to develop an arrangement that suits our clients’ family dynamic.
The team at the Davi Law Group understands that the first step in any legal process is the establishment of trust. We cordially invite you to meet our team at a no-cost introductory consultation, valued at up to $325.00. Should you retain us as your counsel, financing options are available. We will review your situation, provide you with an objective evaluation, and explain our preferred approach. Contact us today for an appointment at one of our five convenient locations.