Child custody is one of the most emotionally charged and complex issues in family law. Decisions made in these cases affect children and their parents for years to come. The best way to ensure that your interests and those of your children are represented is by hiring a Chicago family attorney who is experienced in handling child custody cases. The first step in selecting a lawyer is to do thorough research, including reviews and testimonials. Then, schedule consultations with potential attorneys. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your case and determine if they are a good fit.
Family lawyers are skilled in navigating the divorce process and helping clients reach a successful settlement. They can negotiate compromises, offer alternative dispute resolution solutions like mediation and provide expert referrals for things such as property valuation, tax consequences and other financial considerations. They also have extensive experience in child custody and spousal support disputes. They can help mitigate emotions, draft customized parenting plans and create effective legal strategies to achieve your goals.
The best Child Custody Attorneys in Chicago will be familiar with the local courts and judges and have a strong understanding of family law. They will be able to effectively communicate with you and keep you updated throughout the entire process. They will also be able to answer all of your questions and concerns, and act as a strong advocate for you in court.
In Illinois, there are two main types of child custody: legal and physical. Legal custody gives a parent the right to make important decisions about their child’s life, such as those regarding education, health care, religion and extracurricular activities. Physical custody determines where the child lives on a daily basis. A judge can award joint custody, where both parents share responsibility for making decisions and have equal time with the child. Alternatively, a judge can award sole custody to one parent and visitation rights to the other.
A judge’s decision is based on what is in the “best interests of the child.” The court may consider several factors, such as the mental and physical health of all parties involved, the existing relationships between children and their parents, each parent’s ability to facilitate a loving relationship between the child and the noncustodial parent, each parent’s history with alcohol or drug addiction, whether either parent has engaged in domestic violence, and other relevant circumstances.
When hiring the best Chicago Child Custody Lawyers, look for one who has a reputation for integrity and compassion. They should be willing to meet with you on your schedule and work around your busy life. They should be able to answer all of your questions, and help you determine the best custody arrangement for your situation. In addition, they should be able to file paperwork with the courts and other government agencies on your behalf. Finally, they should be able to help you settle parenting time disputes with the other parent and enforce parenting time provisions if necessary.
