On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
It is common for custody disputes to arise when parents are divorcing in Illinois. In some cases, the parents may have trouble reaching agreements about how they will handle decision making and parenting time. There are several ways that parents may reach agreements so that they can resolve these types of issues so that everyone’s interests are protected.
Many parents are able to reach agreements simply by talking to each other. This might be accomplished by determining the manner in which the couple communicates most effectively. For example, if the parents are only able to communicate with each other via email, that might be the best way to try to discuss child custody issues. If parents are able to talk through the issues and determine what will work best for them, they may be happier with the results.
Other options might include mediation or collaborative law. In mediation, the parents meet with an independent mediator who is trained in helping people to resolve conflicts. If the parents are able to work out an agreement in mediation, it can be entered as a part of the court’s final orders. A collaborative process may also offer an avenue for reaching an agreement. In this, both parties meet together with a team of their lawyers and other professionals who work together to reach an agreement.
If out-of-court negotiations and processes do not work, the parents may resolve their child custody disputes in litigation. People should remember that courts make child custody orders according to what they determine is in the best interests of the child. Because the judges do not know the families personally, litigation may not lead to the results that parents desire. Experienced family law attorneys may help their clients to resolve their child custody cases in the best way possible.