When it comes to a divorce, the most emotional issue that is often raised is child custody. The decision of where children will live and how they will be raised is a critical one for most families. The goal of the best Spring Hill Custody Attorneys is to help couples and courts find arrangements that will work for everyone involved, while still honoring parental rights.
Attorneys can help negotiate agreements, draft legal documents and represent clients in court. They can also be instrumental in establishing and amending visitation schedules. They are skilled at mitigating emotions and using alternative dispute resolution solutions like mediation to facilitate fair settlements. They can also provide expert referrals for evaluating assets and tax consequences.
The law regarding custody in Illinois focuses on the best interests of the child. The allocation of parenting responsibilities is usually divided into two broad categories: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody includes the right to make important decisions, such as those pertaining to a child’s education, healthcare and religion. Physical custody refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis. A judge can award either or both legal and physical custody to one parent, or to both parents.
A judge will consider several factors when determining the child’s best interest. A primary factor is the parent’s fitness to care for the child. A history of drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues are all serious considerations that must be carefully examined. A judge will only award joint or sole custody if the parent can prove they have overcome such issues and that they are not a threat to the child’s well being.
The judge will also weigh the child’s preferences if they are mature enough to express informed opinions. Typically, the preference of an older child will carry more weight than that of a younger child. A Spring Hill child custody lawyer can help a client develop an effective strategy for expressing the child’s wishes to the judge.
Choosing the Best Chicago Custody Attorneys
Hiring a top lawyer to handle a family legal case is an important decision. When choosing a Chicago lawyer, it is crucial to consider their experience and reputation in the industry. You should also ensure that they communicate clearly with you, answering any questions and providing guidance throughout the process. You should also look for a firm that is in close proximity to your home or office, as this will make it easier to meet for consultations and attend court hearings.
The best Child Custody Attorneys in Chicago are highly skilled, experienced and compassionate. They understand the emotional and psychological strain of a child custody battle and will work tirelessly to protect your rights. Contact an attorney today to schedule a free consultation. Use our contact form to connect with a leading Chicago lawyer and get started. The attorneys selected to the Super Lawyers list are chosen based on a rigorous selection process that includes peer nominations and independent research. Only 5% of lawyers in each practice area are named Super Lawyers.