Custody and parenting time decisions shape your child’s daily life—school, healthcare, stability, and relationships. At Besserman Law, we focus on clear guidance, smart planning, and solutions that reduce conflict while protecting your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
“Custody” can mean decision-making authority, parenting time, or both. The best outcomes come from a clear plan that reduces gray areas and protects your child’s stability.
Major decisions typically include education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. In Missouri, this is often described as legal custody. In Illinois, it’s called allocation of parental responsibilities (decision-making).
This covers where the child is and when—weekdays, weekends, holidays, exchanges, and travel. Missouri often uses the term physical custody. Illinois uses parenting time.
The best plans prevent repeat trips to court by addressing the predictable issues upfront—especially in high-conflict situations.
Courts want schedules that support frequent, meaningful contact—without sacrificing stability. The right plan balances a child’s routine with each parent’s role in the child’s life.
Many families start from a baseline schedule (alternating weekends, one midweek dinner/overnight, rotating holidays) and then customize for distance, school needs, work schedules, and the child’s age.
We help build practical schedules that reduce conflict—clear exchange times, consistent routines, and holiday rules that don’t require constant renegotiation.
Parenting time and financial contributions are closely connected. While each state uses its own support formula, the time a child spends with each parent—and which parent pays for key expenses—often affects the support outcome.
Overnights, shared schedules, and who carries recurring costs (health insurance, daycare, extracurriculars) can change the support calculation and what’s considered reasonable.
The best agreements spell out how expenses are handled—insurance, uncovered medical, school fees, sports, tutoring, and activity costs—so conflict doesn’t return every season.
Same goal—your child’s best interests. Different vocabulary, statutes, and court frameworks. Here’s the consumer-friendly version.
Grandparent visitation and third-party custody issues are heavily statute-driven and fact-specific. The court’s analysis typically starts with parental rights and the child’s best interests.
Missouri’s grandparent visitation framework is addressed in RSMo § 452.402. Source
Illinois grandparent visitation is addressed under 750 ILCS 5/602.9. Source
Short answers to the questions parents ask before they file—or right after they’re served.
This page provides general information as of 2026 and is not legal advice. Laws, local court rules, and procedures can change. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.