It is essential to locate a reputable Chicago child custody lawyer near me, in order to facilitate the divorce procedure. Whether you are contemplating divorce for the first time or your marriage has ended, there are numerous factors to consider, such as financial support, property division, and child custody. A family law attorney Chicago with extensive experience is necessary to provide you with guidance throughout the process. Begin by identifying reputable law firms and individual attorneys who have a wealth of experience in divorce proceedings in Cook County and have received favorable client reviews. Schedule initial consultations to meet with a variety of candidates and gain a better understanding of their communication style and approach.
Children are frequently the most contentious issue during a divorce. The location of a child’s residence, the milieu in which they will develop, and the activities in which they will engage are all influenced by parental decisions. These decisions are also expected to have a lasting impact on the well-being of a child. Child custody is frequently one of the most contentious issues in divorce proceedings due to the substantial interests involved. A Chicago child custody attorney who has experience will comprehend the intricate issues at hand and will advocate for solutions that are in the best interest of your child.
Legal and physical custody are the two categories of custody that a court may grant. Legal custody is the determining factor in determining which parent has the authority to make significant decisions on behalf of a child, including medical care, religious development, and education. The parent with whom a child will reside and the amount of time each parent will spend with the children are determined by physical custody. Until 2016, courts resolved these disputes by evaluating a variety of factors, including the parents’ preferences, any marital misconduct, and a variety of other criteria. Nevertheless, the decision-making process for these cases has been altered by the implementation of new laws in 2016, which have shifted toward a “time sharing” model that prioritizes shared parenting.
A competent Chicago child custody attorney can assist you in comprehending the new legislation and its potential impact on your case. Additionally, they will assist you in comprehending the various factors that a judge takes into account when making a custody decision, as well as in collaborating with your spouse to identify solutions that are mutually beneficial.
The determination of child support is the other critical component of a child custody case. A guideline that considers the parents’ income and the quantity of time each parent spends with their children is used to determine child support in Illinois. Nevertheless, judges are permitted to deviate from the guideline if they believe it would be in the child’s best interest. A Chicago family counsel will possess a comprehensive comprehension of the child support guidelines and their application to your specific circumstances to guarantee that the payments are equitable and that the appropriate amount of child support is being paid. Child support obligations typically persist until the child graduates from high school or reaches the age of 19, whichever occurs first.