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.
Mother died. Mother and her child had lived with maternal grandmother. The child was one year old. Mother died in a car accident. The law is clear: upon the death of the custodial parent, “the minor child will then be considered to be in the physical custody of the surviving natural parent,” even if the…
Read MoreHusband earned a bonus in addition to his salary. The parties divorced. The child support was to pay 20% of his net income per pay period. Also, at the end of the year, he is to true up his income. He will pay 20% of his entire net income by the end of the year.…
Read MoreThe mother filed a Petition for Modification of Child support. She believed that her father was making substantially more than he had made when they got divorced. The trial court stated that dad owed $150,000.00 in back child support. He was ordered to pay this amount within the next six months. Father filed an appeal.…
Read MoreThe mother petitioned the court to move with the minor child to Ohio. She had been offered a career position there. The trial court granted a temporary removal. The court would make a final decision at the end of the divorce case. At the end of the case, the court denied the mother’s request. The…
Read MoreMom and Dad had a child, Ava. About a year later, mom later filed a Petition for Paternity and a Petition to Remove Ava from the State of Illinois. She wanted to move to Colorado. She was engaged to be married to a man who lived in Colorado. Dad wanted joint custody. He had been…
Read MoreThe divorce court judge ordered that each parent would share residential responsibilities in caring for their child, Robert, at the marital residence. Robert was eight years old. The house Robert would live in was where Robert had lived all of his life. Dad would have Robert in this home from Thursday night through Sunday of…
Read More