Child Custody Attorney in Orland Park, Illinois

Facing a family law issue—whether it’s divorce, child custody arrangements, or spousal support—can be both overwhelming and emotionally draining. These matters often come with significant personal challenges, but having a compassionate and experienced advocate by your side can make all the difference.

At Clancy Family Law, I bring over a decade of experience handling family law matters with compassion and integrity, providing personalized solutions tailored to each client’s unique situation. Located in Orland Park, Illinois, my firm serves families across the state. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.

The Challenges of Child Custody

Divorce can be one of the most stressful events a family experiences, and child custody decisions often create additional anxiety. Questions about where your children will live, how parenting responsibilities will be shared, and who makes major decisions can be overwhelming. 

Thousands of parents in Illinois face child custody disputes every year, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance. I work with families to make sure they understand their rights, explore their options, and create solutions that fit their unique circumstances.

Parenting Time

Establishing a clear parenting time schedule reduces confusion and promotes consistency for children. When creating a parenting time schedule, I guide parents in considering:

• Weekday routines: Coordinating school, homework, meals, and bedtime.
  

• Weekend arrangements: Making sure both parents spend meaningful time with their children.
  

• Holidays and special occasions: Planning for birthdays, holidays, and school breaks.
  

• Special circumstances: Adjusting for medical appointments, therapy sessions, and extracurricular activities.

A well-planned schedule provides children with stability and helps parents avoid unnecessary conflict.

Relocation Considerations

Relocation by one parent can complicate parenting arrangements. I assist clients in the legal process for modifying schedules or petitioning the court when moves occur. 

The court considers the child’s best interests, including school, social relationships, and continuity of care. I make sure the evidence presented clearly supports your child’s best interests and well-being.

Decision-Making

What used to be referred to in Illinois as "custody" is now simply called "decision-making," and it addresses who has decision-making authority for major aspects of a child’s life, including healthcare, education, extracurricular activities, and religion. Illinois courts generally encourage joint decision-making, but sole decision-making may be granted under certain circumstances.

Joint Decision-Making

Joint decision-making allows both parents to share responsibility for important decisions. I help clients establish communication and decision-making protocols that reduce conflict and make sure both parents remain actively involved in their child’s life. Collaborative parenting benefits children by providing consistent guidance and maintaining relationships with both parents.

Sole Decision-Making

Sole legal custody may be required when one parent is unable to participate effectively in decision-making. I assist clients in gathering evidence, documenting relevant circumstances, and presenting a compelling case to the court. My priority is always safeguarding the child’s physical and emotional well-being.

Modifying Allocation Judgments

Once parenting time and decision-making are determined, the parties will enter into an Allocation Judgment setting forth the rights and responsibilities of each parent. Allocation Judgments are intended to be long lasting, but they can be modified to reflect changes in circumstances. Life events such as relocation, employment changes, or evolving child needs often require updates. I guide clients through the modification process and help make sure that children continue to receive stable care.

Situations that require modifications can include:

• Relocation: Adjusting the parenting schedule when a parent moves.
  

• Employment changes: Modifying schedules to accommodate work hours or responsibilities.
  

• Child development needs: Revising arrangements as children grow and their needs evolve.
  

• Safety concerns: Updating orders in response to abuse, neglect, or other risks.

Proactively addressing modifications helps prevent disputes from escalating and makes sure parenting arrangements continue to serve the children effectively.

Mediation of Parenting Disputes

Mediation is often a valuable alternative to litigation for resolving parenting disputes, and in most Illinois Courts, it is required prior to proceeding with litigation on non-emergency parenting disputes. This collaborative process involves a neutral professional who helps parents reach mutually acceptable agreements.

Benefits of Mediation

Mediation can provide families with several key advantages:

• Cost savings: Avoids extended court proceedings and reduces attorney fees.
  

• Privacy: Keeps personal family matters confidential.
  

• Collaboration: Encourages cooperative communication between parents.
  

• Faster resolutions: Agreements are often reached more quickly than through litigation.

Mediation can help families reach solutions that are respectful, sustainable, and in the children’s best interests.

Co-Parenting Guidance

Even after custody orders are in place, successful co-parenting is critical to providing stability for children. I assist parents in creating routines, communication strategies, and decision-making frameworks that minimize conflict and create a nurturing environment for their children.

Tools for successful co-parenting often include:

• Shared calendars: Coordinates school schedules, extracurricular activities, and appointments.
  

• Regular updates: Keep parents informed of changes or events in the child’s life.
  

• Conflict resolution strategies: Provides structured methods for resolving disagreements calmly.
  

• Consistency: Maintains similar rules and expectations across households to provide stability.

Co-parenting guidance helps children feel secure and supports long-term cooperation between parents.

Special Considerations for Teenagers

Teenagers often require specialized attention in parenting arrangements. Courts may consider a child’s preference when appropriate, depending on the child's age and maturity. My firm helps parents balance teen input with legal standards to promote fair and appropriate parenting decisions.

Academic and extracurricular planning might entail:

• School schedules: Managing transportation and participation in academic programs.
  

• Extracurricular activities: Coordinating sports, arts, and social commitments with parenting schedules.
  

• Healthcare decisions: Making sure medical care is provided while respecting both parents’ involvement and the teen's privacy.
  

• Future planning: Preparing for transitions to college or independent living.

Teen-focused planning protects older children's autonomy while still providing proper guidance and support.

Why Choose Me for Child Custody Matters

As a family law attorney, I combine experience with empathy to guide clients through every stage of child custody matters. My services include:

• Personalized guidance: Tailored legal strategies based on your family’s circumstances.
  

• Experience: Over ten years of helping parents resolve custody and divorce issues.
  

• Compassion: Understanding the emotional impact of custody disputes on parents and children.
  

• Effective advocacy: Protecting children’s best interests while safeguarding parental rights.

Parents can rely on my guidance to reduce conflict, clarify expectations, and maintain stability for their children.