Arranging Allocation of Parental Responsibilities in Illinois

 Posted on June 15, 2016 in Child Custody

Entering the post-divorce world as a single parent can be overwhelming, especially in the wake of the emotional toll brought on by the separation. One of the most important tasks you will face as a newly single parent is handling the “allocation of parental responsibilities” (formerly known as child custody). This is a term Illinois law began using as of January 1, 2016, to refer to arrangements that are made that determine what a parent is responsible for when it comes to the child they share.

Allocation of parental responsibilities covers all aspects of the child’s care, including where the child lives and with whom, and which parent is responsible for making decisions for the child’s well-being. The court also determines parenting time (also known as visitation), another aspect of allocation of parental responsibilities.

Where to Start

Beginning the allocation of parental responsibilities process can vary from county to county, but in general, this is how it works in Illinois

• Familiarize yourself with your county’s rules. Consider seeking legal representation.
• File a petition.
• Schedule a case management conference that is no later than 90 days after you file.
• Notify the other parent you are asking for a certain amount of parental responsibilities. To do this, you must serve them a “summons” along with the filed petition.
• Wait to hear from the other parent. If the parent does not respond, ask the court for a default judgment.

Nailing Down the Details 

Once the process begins, each parent is required to file a parenting plan. This must be done within 120 days of asking the court for parental responsibilities. If neither parent files a plan, the child’s best interest will be in the hands of the court. Ideally, both parents can agree on a plan, and the court will allow you to file one plan.

Should you disagree on the allocation of parental responsibilities, the judge typically sends you to mediation, where a trained professional attempts to help you reach an agreement. You will need to consider a number of aspects when creating your plan, including your child’s healthcare, schooling, living arrangements, and religious upbringing.

While there is a lot to address when facing the allocation of parental responsibilities, the process can be efficient and productive when you have the right legal representation. Contact a knowledgeable Rolling Meadows child custody attorney at Cosley Law Office to help guide you through the process. Call 847-253-3100 for a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.illinoislegalaid.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_content&contentid=5005#