Chicago Child Custody & Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Attorney
Protecting Your Most Precious Relationships in Cook County
Nothing is more important than your children. In the midst of a divorce or separation, the uncertainty surrounding who will make decisions for them and where they will sleep at night can be overwhelming.
At The Elite Law Group, we understand that child custody disputes are not just legal battles; they are deeply personal struggles for the future of your family.
Under the leadership of our founder, Schylon Lane, The Elite Law Group provides premier family law advocacy for Chicago families. Our mission is to deliver exceptional and reputable legal care, ensuring that every parent receives the highest quality representation at a fair price. We believe in equal access to justice and strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients through compassionate, personalized service.
Whether you are seeking to establish a cooperative co-parenting arrangement or need to fight to protect your child from an unfit parent, we are your dedicated partners in justice.
"Custody" in Illinois: Understanding the Law
In recent years, Illinois family law has undergone a significant transformation. The terms "custody" and "visitation"—which often sounded like terms of ownership—have been replaced with more child-centric language: Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time.
While the terminology has changed, the stakes remain the same. The court is focused on one singular standard: the best interest of the child. At The Elite Law Group, we help you navigate these new legal definitions to build a stable future for your children.
In Cook County courts, these responsibilities are typically divided into four specific domains (often called the "4 S's"):
Education: Decisions regarding school choice, tutors, and special education services.
Health: Decisions regarding medical, dental, and psychological treatment.
Religion: Decisions regarding the child’s religious upbringing and participation.
Extracurricular Activities: Decisions regarding sports, music lessons, clubs, and other activities.
Sole vs. Joint Allocation:
Joint Allocation: Both parents must consult and agree on these major decisions. This is the court's preferred arrangement, assuming parents can communicate effectively.
Sole Allocation: One parent has the final say. We aggressively pursue this option when the other parent has demonstrated an inability to co-parent or poses a risk to the child's well-being.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Decision-Making)
What was formerly known as "legal custody" is now called the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities. This refers to the authority to make significant decisions about your child's life.
Parenting Time (Physical Custody)
What was formerly "physical custody" and "visitation" is now simply Parenting Time. This refers to the actual schedule of when the child is in each parent's care.
Illinois courts no longer presume a "weekend dad" model. The goal is to maximize the child's involvement with both parents, provided it is safe. We work with you to craft a detailed Parenting Time Schedule that covers:
The Regular Routine: Weekdays and weekends during the school year.
Holidays: A fair rotation of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.).
School Breaks: Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks.
Vacations: Time for extended travel with each parent.
Crafting a Bulletproof Parenting Plan
The most critical document in your custody case is the Parenting Plan (or Allocation Judgment). This is the "rulebook" for your co-parenting relationship. A vague or poorly drafted plan is a recipe for future conflict and expensive return trips to court.
At The Elite Law Group, we pride ourselves on advocating for our clients in a way that recognizes the need for tailored, forward-thinking solutions. We do not use "cookie-cutter" forms. We build comprehensive plans that anticipate future issues, such as:
Right of First Refusal: If you are unavailable during your scheduled time (e.g., for work), must you offer that time to the other parent before calling a babysitter?
Relocation: What happens if a parent wants to move to a new neighborhood or out of state?
Communication Protocols: How will parents communicate? (e.g., via a monitored app like OurFamilyWizard).
Dispute Resolution: If you disagree on a school or doctor, will you go to mediation before returning to court?
Navigating High-Conflict Custody Disputes
While we always strive for amicable resolutions, we recognize that litigation is sometimes necessary to protect a child. Schylon Lane’s experience as both a certified mediator and a knowledgeable litigator gives her a unique perspective to appreciate the balance between the necessity of litigation and alternative resolutions.
We are prepared to handle high-stakes custody matters, including:
Sole Custody & Restricted Parenting Time
If your co-parent struggles with substance abuse, mental health issues, or a history of domestic violence, the safety of your child is non-negotiable. We can petition the court for Sole Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and, if necessary, Restricted or Supervised Parenting Time. We know how to gather the necessary evidence—police reports, medical records, and expert testimony—to prove that unrestricted access would endanger your child.
Parent Relocation
(Move-Away Cases)
In our mobile society, a parent often needs to move for a job or family support. However, Illinois law strictly prohibits a parent with the majority of parenting time from moving more than 25 miles from their current home in Cook County without court permission.
Seeking to Move: If you need to relocate, we can build a case showing that the move will improve the child’s quality of life and that a reasonable visitation schedule can still be maintained.
Objecting to a Move: If your ex is trying to move your child away, we will fight vigorously to prevent the relocation, arguing that it would irreparably harm your bond with your child.
Paternity and
Fathers' Rights
For unmarried fathers, "custody" rights do not exist until paternity is established. We guide fathers through the process of establishing parentage so they can petition for their rightful parenting time and decision-making authority. We believe that fathers play an essential role in their children's lives and advocate fiercely against outdated gender biases.
Modification and Enforcement
Life changes, and court orders sometimes need to change with it.
Modification: If there has been a "substantial change in circumstances"—such as a parent’s new work schedule, a child’s changing needs, or a remarriage—we can petition the court to modify the Parenting Plan to reflect your new reality.
Enforcement: A court order is not a suggestion. If your co-parent is denying your parenting time, making unilateral decisions, or disparaging you to the children, we can file a Petition for Rule to Show Cause (Contempt) to enforce the order and hold them accountable.
We Pursue the Best Possible Outcome
We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We pride ourselves on advocating for our clients in a way that recognizes the need for tailored, forward-thinking solutions. Whether through skilled negotiation, mediation, or aggressive litigation, we dedicate ourselves to pursuing the best possible result for your unique family dynamic.
Distinguished, Innovative Solutions
The Elite Law Group is committed to providing distinguished, innovative solutions that set us apart from other firms. We leverage Schylon Lane's extensive experience in both the public and private sectors to find creative strategies that resolve conflicts and protect your children.
Compassionate Service
We know this is likely the most stressful time of your life. We strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients through compassionate, personalized service. We are here to listen, to guide, and to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on being a parent.
Why Choose The Elite Law Group?
When your children's future is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a strategic partner.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
You do not have to navigate the complex world of allocation judgments and parenting schedules alone. Contact The Elite Law Group today. We are here to listen to your story, understand your goals, and build a strategy to protect your relationship with your children.
Call us or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation with Schylon Lane. Discover how our elite representation can make a difference for your family.
Premier Family Law Advocacy for Chicago Families.