Aurora Child Custody Lawyer

Aurora Child Custody Attorney

Having a child can be a fulfilling and incredible experience, but when it comes to child custody cases, what you treasure most may start to feel beyond your grasp. This can lead to confusion, as well as a feeling of hopelessness and fear. Fortunately, you do not need to navigate this struggle alone. An Aurora child custody lawyer can help turn your case around, leading to reaching the necessary agreements and feeling successful in your outcomes.

At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we believe in helping you navigate the complex world of child custody as you pursue a healthy future for you and your child. With compassion and insight, we can guide you through each step, providing clarity and direction.

What Are My Custody Options in Illinois?

Currently, an estimated 4% of parents in the United States are considered primary residential parents. If you need help sorting out an agreement in Illinois, an Aurora child custody lawyer can help.

It is important, however, that you first understand the types of custody you can pursue in Illinois, which are as follows:

• Legal custody: When a parent is granted legal custody of their child, they have the court-appointed right to make important decisions about how the child will be raised. This can include decisions about their healthcare, education, and religious upbringing.Legal custody can be carried out through joint legal custody, where both of the child’s parents have equal legal rights, or sole legal custody, where only one parent has the legal right to make these kinds of decisions.

• Physical custody: The main purpose of establishing physical custody is to decide where a child will live. Similarly to legal custody, this can be carried out in either a joint or sole physical custody format. It is fairly common for a child to spend somewhat equal amounts of time at the home of both parents, but some custody agreements result in the child living with just one parent while the other has court-authorized visitation rights.

Why Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Aurora, Illinois?

When you choose to hire a child custody lawyer, you can increase the amount of clarity and confidence you have regarding each step in the child custody legal process. Family law can be incredibly messy. Even when everyone approaches the case with the healthiest of intentions, emotions can run high, leading to stalemates and unproductive infighting.

A child custody attorney can help you and the other parent reach an agreement that works with both of your current lifestyles and, most importantly, lines up with the best interests of your child.

In 2023, 59% of all AMBER alerts issued in the United States were connected to parental abductions. If you are at all concerned that your child’s other parent may resort to potentially endangering your child, tell your child custody lawyer and your local branch of Illinois law enforcement right away. It is always better to be proven wrong by looking into it than to have your greatest fears realized.

While not all child custody cases require an equal amount of involvement from the Illinois court system, it is possible you may find that your case is in need of outside help. If your case needs to be carried out in a courthouse, it will most likely take place at the Kane County Branch Courthouse, the Kane County Judicial Center, or the Aurora Branch Court​.

Your Aurora divorce lawyer can help you schedule the appropriate amount of time needed at one of the aforementioned locations, as well as answer any additional questions you may have about child custody laws and family law in general.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Illinois?

The cost to hire a child custody lawyer in Illinois may be different for each case. It is common for the complexity of the case, the duration between its start and end date, and who you choose to hire to represent you to have an impact on the final cost you pay. At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we work hard to help you achieve an outcome you feel is worthy of all of your potential expenditures.

What Should You Avoid Doing During a Custody Case in Illinois?

During a custody case, avoid any negative behavior. When child custody cases get intense, it can be tempting to argue with and belittle your former partner. A lack of progress can be discouraging, but you should never present yourself as hostile or uncooperative. Try to remain peaceful and work towards reaching an agreement, demonstrating that you can compromise and that the welfare of your child is more important than anything else.

Can You Represent Yourself in a Child Custody Case in Illinois?

You are legally permitted to represent yourself and your desired outcomes in a child custody case in Illinois. Many people, however, have found that hiring a child custody lawyer can help improve their likelihood of success, peace of mind, and clarity of the process. Family law can be incredibly complex, and it can prove to be helpful to have a skilled and insightful lawyer guiding you through the various legal steps from start to finish.

What Are Some Reasons a Parent May Be Deemed Unfit to Have Custody of a Child in Illinois?

A parent may be deemed unfit to have custody of a child if they have a history of substance abuse, have been accused of abusive behavior, or have been negligent toward the child. There are additional, more complex aspects of this decision process that a child custody lawyer can help you understand. The Illinois court system will do everything it can to ensure that the custody decision you reach is in the best interests of your child.

Work With Schaffer Family Law, Ltd. Today

While your child custody case may feel overwhelming, discouraging, and, at times, isolating, you do not need to face it alone. Hiring an Aurora child custody lawyer may prove to be exactly what you need to get the answers and outcomes you want.

When you hire Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., to represent you, you will find skilled, insightful, and compassionate lawyers who are ready to walk alongside you, offering guidance and clarity as you make your way through the family law system.

You deserve to feel listened to, and we believe in helping you achieve your desired outcomes. Contact Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., today to schedule a consultation.