Experienced Support Through Allocation of Parental Responsibilities / Decision Making and Parenting Time

When married parents divorce or unmarried parents separate, there is no greater issue than the future care and well-being of the children.

In Illinois, these legal matters are referred to as the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting plans, commonly known as child custody and visitation.

If you are a parent going through a divorce or separation, The Law Office of Robbin D. Vanderwoude is here to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your children.

The Law Office of Robbin D. Vanderwoude has more than 30 years of experience handling sensitive family law matters for clients in Libertyville and throughout surrounding Illinois communities.

Are you seeking a child custody attorney in Lake County? Robbin and her attentive staff are here for you.

Protecting What Matters Most

If there are disagreements concerning the children, Illinois law requires parents to enter into mediation to attempt to resolve them. As a trained mediator, Robbin Vanderwoude can guide you through this process.

She understands there is often bitterness and resentment between parents. She helps her clients set these negative feelings aside so they can focus on the more important goal — protecting the best interests of the children.

Navigating Child Support Issues

While relationships end between parents, the parent-child relationship lasts a lifetime. After a divorce or separation, both parents remain responsible for the care and support of minor children.

The Law Office of Robbin D. Vanderwoude can provide you with skilled representation whether you are seeking child support or paying it. Attorney Vanderwoude can also protect your rights and the rights of your children in child support modification and enforcement issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating parenting arrangements and child support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to balance your child’s needs with the realities of family life. Having clear information about your legal options can make the process feel more manageable.

What kinds of decisions do “parental responsibilities” cover?

In Illinois, parental responsibilities refer to the authority to make major decisions for a child’s upbringing. These include decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religion and extracurricular activities. A comprehensive parenting plan can also explain how parents will communicate about these issues and how they will resolve disputes if they cannot reach an agreement.

How are holidays, school breaks and summer vacation managed in a parenting plan?

A parenting plan sets a detailed schedule for holidays, school breaks and summer vacation so there is less confusion and fewer conflicts for both the child and the parents. Separated or divorced parents often alternate major holidays each year, divide school breaks by specific dates and organize their summer parenting time in advance.

Some parenting plans require parents to give notice by a certain deadline for out-of-state vacations or international travel. The exact arrangement will depend on what the parents agree to or what the court believes is in the child’s best interests.

Can parents modify child support orders in Illinois? How often can they be reviewed?

Yes, child support orders in Illinois can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a major change in income, a change in parenting time or a new financial need related to the child. Illinois law also allows child support obligations to be reviewed periodically or every three years. If the current order no longer fits the child’s or parents’ situation, one or both parents can ask the court to reconsider it.

Does child support cover other child-related activities and college expenses in Illinois?

Child support covers a child’s basic needs. Other child-related expenses are addressed by the court.  In Illinois, a court can order parents to help pay for post-secondary education. The court decides whether to assign college expenses based on factors such as the child’s needs, the parents’ finances and the specific circumstances of the case.

Let The Law Office of Robbin D. Vanderwoude Help

Are children involved in your divorce or separation? Robbin understands, and she can help. To arrange your consultation with an experienced child custody lawyer, please contact her law office online or by telephone at 847-680-8508.