For many parents, the most pressing fear of child custody negotiations is the concern that the other parent will try to keep their children from them. This fear can actually prevent the parents from remaining focused on what is best for the children as they try to battle each other.
Buffalo Grove Custody Establishment Or Modification Lawyer
At Buffalo Grove Law Offices, we are committed to keeping the process directed at an outcome that is in the best interest of the children. We will reach a resolution as efficiently and inexpensively as possible, minimizing the drain on the family.
Mandatory Mediation Is The First Step
Unless both parents come to agreement regarding custody, the issue of custody must go through mediation before you can go to court on the issue of custody. The only exception to that is when a temporary custody decision must be made. This will allow both parents to come together in a facilitated discussion, both helping to decide how the children will be looked after and provided for following the divorce or in other cases not involving divorcing couples.
We will explain this process to you, providing the information and understanding that you need to approach mediation in a productive and informed manner. The custody process will include evaluations and interviews.
Most cases are settled before court, but if needed, we are prepared to represent your interests before the family law judge. The outcome of this decision and the amount of time you are granted with your children is vitally important, and we are committed to fighting for you and for the best interests of your children.
We will also help to negotiate joint custody and visitation agreements that best serve your family and allow adequate parenting time with both the mother and father, regardless of who was granted custodial or non-custodial rights.
Modification Of Custody Orders
No motion to modify a custody judgment may be made earlier than two years after its date, unless the court permits an earlier date because there is reason to believe the child’s present environment may endanger seriously his or her physical, mental, moral, or emotional health. However, after two years, the standard for the court to use is ‘the best interest of the child. This standard is the one that is also used in making the original custody order.
FORMER BOYFRIEND HAD NO STANDING TO BRING CLAIM FOR CUSTODY
The former boyfriend did not have statutory standing to bring a claim for custody of a minor adopted from Slovakia by his former girlfriend. The parties had never married, and they had taken no steps for the adoption to be recognized in Illinois. The father had not adopted the child, who remained in the custody of the adoptive mother. Illinois does not recognize the common-law standing of a nonparent to bring a petition for custody of a minor. In re Parentage of Scarlett Z.D., 2012 Il App (2d) 120266 (Aug 30, 2012) DuPage Co.
Contact An Arlington Heights Child Custody Lawyer
To arrange an initial consultation to discuss your situation and the options available to you, please contact our Illinois law firm today at (847) 772-8579.
The parties’ Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) capped child support from the Husband. He was to pay 28% of his net income up to $300,000. They agreed he would have no obligation to pay child support on the income he received above $300,000. The wife later filed a Petition to Modify and Increase Child Support. Husband…
Read MoreThe court allowed the wife permission to move from Illinois to North Carolina with the parties’ two minor children. Husband appealed the reduction of his visitation. He had wanted even more visitation with the children than he was now given. When the parties had divorced, the court awarded joint custody to the parties. The wife…
Read MoreThis was a parentage case. The mother petitioned to remove the minor child to Kentucky. She wanted to live with her new husband. He was in the military. He was residing at Fort Campbell. The trial court ruled that it was in the child’s best interests to reside in Kentucky. The mother and child moved…
Read MoreFather was not the custodial parent. He had visitation. He took the child from the mother. The court found him guilty of child abduction. Father appealed. He argued that there was not enough evidence that he took the child without the mother’s consent. The appellate court agreed that there was not enough evidence to convict…
Read MoreSome of the highlights of the new statute include: The basic support obligation is based on net income. The parties will be able to elect. Either a standardized tax amount or individualized deductions. This is part of arriving at the net income. Business income is defined. The court can reject items. Such as depreciation, excessive…
Read MoreCourt ordered Husband to pay 25% of his net income from his job wages. In addition, 25% of his net income from his monthly military pension. Husband appealed. He argued that the Judgment had given Wife a share of his retirement benefits. He argued that the trial court was wrong in using his retirement benefits…
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