Orland Park Visitation Attorneys

Your children need and deserve the love of both of their parents, even when you’ve mutually agreed to end your relationship. At SLG Family Law, our Orland Park visitation attorneys can help you create a plan that serves your children’s best interests. We can also assist you if the other parent attempts to take away your children or if that parent is putting your children at risk.

Visitation Rights in Illinois

Visitation is legally referred to as “parenting time” in Orland Park and Illinois. Generally, the law would prefer that both parties in a divorce agree to a visitation schedule, though the court will intervene if the two parties can not agree. The courts know that when both parties come up with a schedule on their own, there is usually less need for modifications later on.

The judge may order mediation to help both you and the other parent find a temporary visitation schedule that works during your child custody proceedings, as well as a permanent schedule for after the proceedings are final. Typically, the costs of mediation are split equally between both parties, and it is important to have legal representation during mediation. 

Physical Custody vs. Legal Custody

Illinois’ custody and visitation laws take into account both physical and legal custody. Physical custody (parenting time) means a child may live with a parent, and legal custody (parental responsibility) means a parent has the legal right to make important decisions about the child’s health, education, and religion.

With the child’s best interests as a guide, a judge will decide if one parent should have both legal and physical custody, both parents share joint custody, or some other combination. 

What Are the Legal Visitation Rights of the Noncustodial Parent?

Illinois public policy ensures that children should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents, even after their relationship has ended whenever possible. As such, the noncustodial parent is eligible for reasonable visitation periods with their children. An exception may be made in cases where the child’s safety or well-being is at risk by the parent.

Typically, the noncustodial parent is eligible for the state’s minimum visitation schedule. The minimum schedule allows for visitation one weeknight every week and overnights every other weekend. Illinois law also provides for a longer visit during the summer months under this minimum schedule.

Of course, the courts may alter the schedule or modify terms if a parent demonstrates that doing so serves the best interests of the child. For instance, a noncustodial parent who moves to a far-away state or country could request longer, though likely less occasional, visits.

Seek Guidance From an Orland Park Visitation Attorney

Child custody and visitation rights can be very perplexing, so if you have questions, we urge you to get in touch with one of our experienced visitation attorneys in Orland Park. Contact us now to schedule a free initial consultation where we can answer all of your important questions and review your case. We’ll inform you of your rights and advise you of the best possible outcome for you and your children.