Generally, in the case of a divorce, the court having jurisdiction of the marital dissolution proceedings determines who shall have custody of the children from the marriage. Under state law, the parents of a child born within a marriage are joint guardians of that child and the rights of both parents are equal. Both parents have an equal right to the custody of the child when they divorce or separate.

The law distinguishes custody by being either legal or physical. Legal custody means the parental right to make major decisions regarding the child's health, education, and welfare. Physical custody is the parental right to make the living arrangements of the child on a day-to-day basis. Two basic custody arrangements exist, sole custody and joint custody. A parent who has sole custody possesses all parental legal rights, duties, and powers, including the right to make all parental decisions regarding the child. In sole custody arrangements, the child lives with the custodial parent, while the non-custodial parent is given visitation rights. In joint custody arrangements, both parents maintain certain parenting rights and responsibilities after divorce or separation. In joint physical custody arrangements the child usually lives with both parents on an arraigned shared basis and each parent then assumes the day-to-day parental responsibilities.

Decisions regarding child custody can occur within several different legal contexts in addition to divorce, including guardianship, neglect or abuse proceedings, and termination of parental rights.

The Law Offices of Laurence J. Bolon fights to protect clients? rights and promote their best interests. Whether you are currently going through a divorce or separation, or need legal assistance in modifying your current child custody, child support, or visitation arrangements, The Law Offices of Laurence J. Bolon can help you. Attorney Laurence J. Bolon has substantial experience in obtaining financial security for children?s educational, health, and daily living needs. Laurence has the legal knowledge and skill to prevent a spouse from hiding income or intentionally remaining unemployed to avoid paying child support. Laurence is also experienced in helping parents petition the family court to remove their child(ren) from the state of Illinois and registering foreign judgments or divorce decrees.

No matter what kind of family law legal need or problem you have, The Law Offices of Laurence J. Bolon will provide you with quality, reliable, and experienced representation. Contact The Law Offices of Laurence J. Bolon today.