Chicago Child Custody Attorney
Protecting your parental rights through strategic litigation and negotiation. I handle contested custody, parenting time disputes, and relocation cases across Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties.
Quick Answer: Illinois Child Custody Law
Under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/602.5), "custody" is now called allocation of parental responsibilities. Courts decide based on the child s best interests, considering factors like each parent s wishes, the child s adjustment to home and school, and any history of abuse. Illinois favors arrangements that maximize both parents involvement unless safety concerns exist. Attorney Jonathan D. Steele handles contested custody in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties.
Understanding Illinois Child Custody Law
Important: Illinois no longer uses the terms "custody" and "visitation." Since 2016, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) uses Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
This covers major decisions about your child s life, including:
- Education decisions (school choice, special needs)
- Healthcare decisions (medical, dental, mental health)
- Religious upbringing
- Extracurricular activities
These responsibilities can be allocated jointly (both parents decide together) or solely (one parent decides).
Parenting Time
This determines when your child is physically with each parent. Illinois courts consider:
- The child s wishes (if mature enough)
- Each parent s wishes
- The child s adjustment to home, school, community
- Mental and physical health of all parties
- History of abuse or domestic violence
Child Custody Cases I Handle
Contested Custody
When parents cannot agree on allocation of responsibilities or parenting time, I build compelling cases using evidence, expert witnesses, and strategic litigation.
Relocation Cases
Moving more than 25 miles (or out of state) requires court approval under 750 ILCS 5/609.2. I handle both petitions to relocate and objections to proposed moves.
Modifications
Circumstances change. I help parents modify existing parenting plans when there s been a substantial change affecting the child s best interests.
Digital Evidence in Custody Disputes
In modern custody battles, digital evidence often determines outcomes. Text messages, social media posts, location data, and co-parenting app records can prove or disprove allegations of:
- Parenting time interference
- Substance abuse
- Neglect or endangerment
- Alienation behavior
With CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council CEH certifications, I understand how to properly preserve, authenticate, and present digital evidence that other attorneys might mishandle or overlook.
Free Case Evaluation
Every custody case is unique. Let s discuss your situation and develop a strategy that protects your relationship with your children.
Schedule ConsultationOr call (847) 260-7330
Jonathan D. Steele
Partner | Beermann LLP
Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star (2016-2025). Chicago s only divorce attorney with professional cybersecurity certifications. I bring technical expertise to complex custody disputes.
View Full BioFrequently Asked Questions
What is "allocation of parental responsibilities" in Illinois?
Since 2016, Illinois replaced "custody" with "allocation of parental responsibilities" under 750 ILCS 5/602.5. This covers major decisions about your child s education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. These can be allocated jointly (both parents decide) or solely (one parent decides).
Can my ex move out of state with my child without permission?
No. Under 750 ILCS 5/609.2, any move beyond 25 miles (or out of state) requires either written consent from the other parent or court approval. Moving without permission can result in emergency court orders and modification of parenting time.
How does digital evidence affect custody cases?
Digital evidence—text messages, social media posts, location data, and co-parenting app records—often determines custody outcomes. This evidence can prove or disprove allegations of parenting time interference, substance abuse, or neglect. Proper authentication is critical for admissibility.