The Importance of Professional Help in Illinois Child Custody Disputes

 Posted on May 07, 2012 in Child Custody

Child custody is often the most emotional and difficult issue to deal with in a divorce action. A number of decisions have to be made and incorporated in the Illinois court's final order, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Conservatorship (Joint Managing Conservator or Sole Managing and Possessory Conservator)
• Parental rights and duties concerning the children, such as who will make decisions related to education and invasive medical procedures, and if there will be a geographical restriction as to where the child/children may reside;
• Who will pay child support and how much; and
• When will each parent have possession and access of the child / children.

Absent an agreement by the parents, these issues must be presented to the court, and sometimes a trial by jury is necessary.

Illinois child custody cases between parents usually arise in three types of situations:

1) Situations with unmarried parents who never formalized a family situation;

2) Situations with married parents who are divorcing; or

3) Situations where a pre-existing child custody order is modified.

Emotions understandably run high in child custody situations and such cases can get nasty and expensive. That is why it is best to speak to a professional at the onset. An experienced divorce attorney can help you work with the opposing party, and in court if necessary, to work out the best solution for your individual circumstances.

For more information on divorce, family law, and child custody matters in the Chicago area, contact a professional Illinois family and divorce attorney that can guide you through this difficult time and ensure that your divorce is resolved in a swift and equitable manner.