Child Custody, Visitation & Support

Springfield, Illinois Attorneys Putting Your Children First in Custody, Visitation and Support Matters

Dedicated attorneys serving the Springfield area

Children may often feel helpless in a divorce, as major decisions are made seemingly with little or no input from them. Your children deserve emotional and financial security, especially during this difficult time.

The compassionate family law attorneys at Londrigan Potter Randle P.C. focus on helping families in transition. Whether your marriage is at an end or you were never married at all, competent assistance with child custody and child support matters can make a big difference to your family.

Illinois law addresses physical and legal custody of children

Child custody comprises physical custody, meaning where the children live, and legal custody, meaning who makes important decisions about the child. Whenever possible, Illinois courts encourage parents to share the burdens when it comes to raising children. Sections 750.600-611 provide for these basic types of custody:

  • Joint custody. Joint custody does not necessarily mean equal physical custody. The children primarily reside with one parent, the other parent has weekend and summer visitation, and the parents split the holidays. The same is true for legal custody in which one parent provides input, but the other parent makes the final decision.
  • Sole custody. Joint custody is not always in the best interest of the children, for various reasons. Sole custody is appropriate in some circumstances, perhaps because a parent has been abusive or has shown little interest in raising the children.

How is child support calculated in Illinois?

Section 750.505 sets minimum child support levels at 20 percent of the supporting party’s net income for one child, 28 percent for two children, 32 percent for three children, and so on. The judge may order additional child support, applying such factors as the financial need of the children and the financial need of the recipient spouse.

Custody and support can be modified if circumstances materially change

A court does not modify a custody or support arrangement for two years following the date of divorce unless the children are in physical or emotional danger. After the two-year waiting period, a nonemergency petition to modify must be based on a material change in circumstances. Changes can be considered material if they potentially affect the best interests of the child, such as:

  • Remarriage or cohabitation of either parent
  • Lifestyle changes of either parent that affect the children
  • Changes in either parent’s work schedule or income
  • Changes in the child’s needs

Unwed fathers, grandparents and extended family have rights in Illinois

A father may file a paternity action, which affords him visitation rights and the standing to ask for custody. Grandparents, aunts and uncles may petition the court for visitation if they have been unreasonably denied visitation and other special circumstances exist. For instance, if a child’s father is deceased, the paternal grandparents can petition a court for visitation if the child’s mother refuses them access to the child without a sufficient basis. In some cases, a court allows family members of a deployed military member to exercise the deployed parent’s visitation in the parent’s absence.

Work with accessible lawyers in Springfield, Illinois

Our attorneys believe in connecting with our clients. The LPR main office is located just south of downtown Springfield, where there is plenty of parking. Weekend and after-hours appointments are also available. Contact Londrigan Potter Randle P.C. at 866.658.3248 or online to schedule your free consultation.

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