The best Child Custody Attorneys in Chicago are those who understand the high stakes and emotional nature of these cases. They are well-versed in the complexities of Illinois law and work hard to secure arrangements that foster a supportive environment for children.
These lawyers provide a strong and supportive presence throughout the process, from filing initial paperwork to advocating for a client’s rights in court. They also handle any needed modifications to ensure that the custody arrangement continues to meet the changing needs of parents and children alike.
They are skilled at negotiating compromises and using alternative dispute resolution solutions such as mediation to help families reach an amicable settlement for issues like child custody, support and property division. They can also provide expert referrals for financial professionals to help couples navigate the equitable distribution of assets and debts and determine the tax consequences.
Allocation of parental rights is determined based on what is deemed to be in the best interests of the child. There are two main components to this: decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. Decision-making responsibilities involve the big choices in a child’s life, including education, religion, and extracurricular activities. Parenting time is the schedule and conditions under which each parent spends time with the child. Illinois courts prefer shared physical and joint legal custody, but that may not be possible in certain situations. For example, a history of substance abuse makes joint custody unlikely until the abuser has completed treatment and can show proof of sobriety.
When making these determinations, the courts take many factors into consideration. These include the mental and physical health of both parents, each parent’s relationship with the child, each parent’s existing relationships with other significant individuals in the child’s life, and the ability of each parent to facilitate a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.
Hiring the best Chicago Child Custody Lawyers can make a huge difference in your case. They are trained to listen to your needs and goals while providing you with advice about what options will best suit the unique circumstances of your situation. They will also be able to explain how different types of parenting time arrangements may impact your specific situation.
At the law offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd., our team of attorneys is led by a nationally recognized expert on family law matters and was instrumental in the passage of Illinois’ joint custody laws. He is an advocate for fathers’ rights and believes that children benefit from having access to both a loving mother and father. He has assembled an impressive team of litigators who are equally dedicated to providing compassionate counsel to our clients and their families.
Choosing the right attorney can be difficult when dealing with complex family issues. A reputable child custody lawyer should be well-versed in the law, have years of experience, and have excellent references from previous clients. They should be able to demonstrate that they are a strong advocate for their clients and should have a good understanding of child development and psychology. They should also be a member of the state bar association and must pass a background check.
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