When you need a trusted child custody attorney in Rockford, Crosby & Crosby Law is here to guide you. We understand how important your child’s well-being is, and we are committed to helping parents protect their rights while pursuing custody arrangements that serve the best interests of their children. With years of experience in family law, our team provides both compassionate support and strong legal representation—whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.
Call (815) 367-6432 to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Us As Your Custody Lawyer in Rockford, IL?
When it comes to child custody, you need more than just a knowledgeable lawyer — you need a team that truly understands what’s at stake. At Crosby & Crosby Law, we put your children and your family’s future at the center of every decision. Here’s why families in Rockford trust us:
Compassionate Guidance
Child custody disputes are often emotional and stressful. We listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and give you the steady support you need to move forward with confidence.
Communication and Transparency
You will never be left wondering about the status of your case. We keep you informed at every stage, answer your questions promptly, and make sure you feel supported throughout the process.
Local Advocacy
Our attorneys have served Rockford families for years. We know the local courts, judges, and procedures, which allows us to build strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of custody cases in Winnebago County and beyond.
Personalized strategies
No two custody cases are alike. We take the time to understand your goals and create a plan that puts your children’s best interests first while safeguarding your relationship with them.
At Crosby & Crosby Law, we combine legal skill with genuine care for the families we serve. Call (815) 367-6432 to speak with a Rockford child custody attorney and learn how we can help you protect what matters most.
Understanding Child Custody, Visitation, & Parenting Time
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and the Illinois Parentage Act now use the phrases “parenting time” and “decision making” instead of the older term “custody.” For clarity, we will stick to the more familiar terms “custody” and “visitation.”
In Illinois Family Law Courts, child custody and visitation are very important. The courts prioritize the best interests of the children when deciding on parenting rights, responsibilities, and time. These three areas can be broken down into several areas, including:
- Where the child will live
- Regular parenting schedules
- Vacation parenting time
- Summer and holiday schedules
- Babysitting and the right of first refusal
- Locations for parenting exchanges
- Times for parenting exchanges
- Supervisors for parenting time
- Decision-making for healthcare
- Decision-making for extracurricular activities
- Decision-making for education
- Decision-making for religious matters
- Child tax credits
These topics are important in both divorce and paternity cases. The final court order will also take into account various Parenting Factors that we will explain in more detail elsewhere.
It’s also important to note that there are significant differences between a typical divorce case involving children and a paternity case.
Divorce and Paternity
In a divorce case that involves children, the court usually assumes that if the children were born during the marriage, the husband is their legal and biological father. There can be exceptions, but this is the starting point for the court.
When paternity is disputed, the court needs to figure out who the legal and biological father is before making a final decision. This can be done in several ways, including:
- Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP)
- DNA testing
- An agreement between the parties involved to establish paternity
It’s important to understand that a man’s signature on a birth certificate alone does not prove he is the child’s father. For children born to unwed parents, the man has the option to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP).
Usually, he receives both the VAP and the Birth Certificate at the same time, so it’s common for a man who signs one to sign the other as well. By signing the VAP, he confirms that he is the legal and biological father of the child.
If a VAP wasn’t signed at the time of birth and paternity is in question, the court may order a DNA test to determine who the father is.
Determining Child Support & Child Expenses
In both divorce and paternity cases, the court looks at several important factors when making decisions. One key area is Child Support and Child Expenses. Additionally, the court will focus on Parenting Time and Decision Making for each parent, which are crucial parts of the final ruling.
In Illinois, there’s no guarantee that Parenting Time and Decision Making will be shared equally between parents. In fact, it’s rare for a court to award equal parenting time in a contested case. The court considers many factors, including the Parenting Factors mentioned earlier, when making its decision. For instance, when it comes to extracurricular activities, the court may look at what is known as Past Care. This means the court will take into account the role each parent played in the child’s activities in the past.
Decision Making
When it comes to making decisions for a child, there are two main types to consider. For everyday choices, like whether to go to a religious service, the parent usually makes the call during their parenting time. These are known as “day-to-day decisions.”
However, for more significant decisions that could impact the child’s life, the parent with decision-making authority in that area will take charge. An example of a major decision is determining which religious faith, if any, the child will be raised in.
Your Rockford Attorneys For Child Custody
Child custody cases can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Crosby & Crosby Law, our experienced Rockford child custody attorneys are here to protect your parental rights and help you reach a fair outcome that supports your child’s best interests.
Call today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward peace of mind for you and your family.
