Bolingbrook Child Custody Lawyer

One of the most emotionally charged issues a family can go through during a divorce or separation is a child custody dispute. For parents living in Illinois, hiring a Bolingbrook child custody lawyer who understands how custody works can provide much-needed direction and clarity during this challenging time.

Whether you are looking for advice on navigating the legal system or seeking primary or joint custody, an experienced child custody lawyer can assist you through the legal terrain of your family law case.

Some may feel that they do not need legal counsel during this time; however, unexpected challenges often arise in these situations, and having a skilled family lawyer can help. For those living in the area, choosing the right Bolingbrook child custody lawyer can be a difficult task. The legal team at Vahey Law & Mediation, LLC, has the knowledge of Illinois family law that is needed to guide and represent you during this trying time.

Hiring our legal team is an investment in the ability to continue raising your children and in your custody rights. When you choose our Bolingbrook child custody attorney, our team can gather as much evidence as is needed to create a solid case in your custody determination. Our skilled team has experience in mediation and negotiations to protect parental rights, and we are able to assist with post-custody modifications when necessary.

Illinois primarily focuses on the best interest of the child when determining custody arrangements. The goal of ensuring the child’s safety, well-being, and emotional development is the guiding factor when determining where the child will live and how parental responsibilities will be shared.

In Bolingbrook, Illinois, legal custody and physical custody are both recognized.

• Legal custody is the right a parent has to make important decisions regarding the child’s life, such as matters related to education, health care, and religion.
• Physical custody involves the day-to-day care of the child and where the child will live. Parents who are awarded physical custody are responsible for providing all of the necessities, such as food, water, and shelter.

The custody preference in Illinois family courts is a joint custody agreement, where both parents share physical and legal custody of the child. There are situations where this is not always feasible, and when this happens, one parent may be granted sole custody if it is deemed necessary for the child’s well-being.

A standard process for child custody is followed in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The steps in this process are as follows:

1. Filing for Custody
2. Mediation
3. Parenting Plan
4. Court Hearings
5. Final Custody Order

The court considers several factors when making child custody decisions in Illinois. These factors may include the following:

• Each parent’s wishes
• The relationship between the child and both parents
• The child’s wishes if they are of the appropriate age
• The mental and physical health of the parents and the child
• History of domestic violence or abuse
• The child’s adjustment to the home, school, and community
• The ability of each parent to encourage a relationship between the other parent and the child
• The ability of each parent to cooperate and make decisions together.

Navigating this legal terrain can be complex and overwhelming for many. Invaluable assistance can be provided by a skilled Bolingbrook child custody lawyer in the following ways:

• Guidance and Legal Advice: Knowledgeable child custody attorneys understand that Illinois has specific laws, procedures, and statutes regarding child custody cases and granting parental rights. These attorneys know how to navigate these laws and apply them to your unique situation.
• Protecting Parental Rights: No matter what kind of custody you are seeking, a child custody lawyer can protect your rights as a parent and the well-being of your child.
• Court Representation: These attorneys can represent you in court while advocating for your rights and the best interest of your child by presenting compelling evidence and making persuasive arguments.
• Mediation Assistance: Mediation is encouraged to resolve custody disputes in the state of Illinois. A child custody lawyer in Bolingbrook, IL can act as your representative during these sessions.
• Modification of Custody Orders: A lawyer can assist you in seeking changes to a custody order if there are substantial changes in the lives of those involved.

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

A: The price of a child custody lawyer in Illinois depends on a variety of factors. The experience of the lawyer and how long it takes to reach a decision are two big factors when determining the cost. If a case is settled through mediation, it will likely be substantially less expensive than if the case has to go to court. When deciding on hiring a lawyer, it is important to ask for the cost breakdown up front to ensure you have the means to cover any fees that may arise.

Q: Who Wins Most Child Custody Cases?

A: Mothers often receive primary custody in child custody cases, but the Illinois family court decides who will be given custody based on a number of factors. All of these factors are looked at to help determine what is in the best interest of the child. The court prefers joint custody but will award sole custody in the event that one parent is deemed unfit.

Q: Do You Have to Pay Child Support if You Have 50/50 Custody in Illinois?

A: Having 50/50 custody is not the sole deciding factor when it comes to child support in Illinois. Rather than just looking at the custody agreement, the court will look at income, the child’s needs, and the standard of living before divorce or separation to determine whether child support should be ordered.

Q: What Is the Biggest Mistake in Child Custody Battles?

A: There are many mistakes made in child custody battles. Some of the biggest mistakes include disobeying court-ordered visitation schedules, failing to exchange the child at agreed-upon times, or simply not adhering to the agreement. Other mistakes include making negative comments about the other parent to the child or trying to gain sympathy from the child.

If you or someone you know is going through child custody troubles, it is time to get in contact with an experienced lawyer. The Bolingbrook child custody lawyer at Vahey Law & Mediation LLC, is skilled in guiding, assisting, and representing clients through a variety of different child custody cases. Our team can work closely with you to determine an appropriate legal strategy to take on for your particular case. Contact our office today to speak with our team.