Wheaton Child Custody Lawyer

Wheaton Child Custody Attorney

As you navigate the dissolution of your marriage, one of the most important aspects you have to consider is custody of your child. Understanding the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities is vital to ensuring your child grows up in a safe, stable, and secure environment. Above all, you want to make sure you do what’s right for them. In order to make sure you do things correctly, you should reach out to a Wheaton child custody lawyer for assistance.

The legal team at Schaffer Family Law, Ltd. understands the difficulties of child custody cases. It can be overwhelming and confusing to wade through Wheaton child custody laws. If you aren’t careful, you may end up with terms you are unhappy with. With the help of an experienced child custody lawyer, you can determine the right course of action and fight for your child and an acceptable parenting plan.

Why Should You Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

There are many important factors to consider when you hire a child custody lawyer. Under Illinois state law, child custody is referred to as the “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.” These responsibilities include certain expectations for parents regarding raising their kids, including child support and parenting plans, if applicable. At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we recognize your struggles. David N. Schaffer has more than 38 years of experience handling cases just like yours. We can help.

According to statistical information gathered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois has one of the lowest rates of divorce in the entire country, at just 1.1 divorces per 1,000 individuals as of 2022. At the same time, the state has one of the lowest rates of marriage in the entire country, at only 47.2% that same year. If you are going through a divorce, the help of an experienced divorce lawyer in Wheaton cannot be overstated. We can guide you through many difficult family matters.

It’s okay to ask for help during all this. Fighting a lengthy custody battle can take its toll on you, and it’s important that you do what you can to take care of yourself. The last thing you want is for your mental health to suffer during a custody battle, as that can impact the outcome.

Determining Parental Responsibilities

In Wheaton, your case will likely be held at the DuPage County Circuit Court at 505 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, but your attorney can verify the details. In order to determine a reasonable and legally enforceable custody arrangement, the court has to take many different contributing factors into consideration. The court won’t make this decision lightly, and it may take some time to reach an outcome they consider fair to all parties.

Your lawyer can help you understand what these contributing factors may be in your specific case, as not every factor will be applicable. Here are some of the most common factors:

• Parenting Time: Parenting time refers to the specific amount of time that each parent spends with their child. All parents in Illinois are entitled to a reasonable amount of parenting time, even if they are not the primary residential parent. The amount of time each parent spends with their child will influence the court’s decision on custody.
• The Child’s Interests: When determining custody, the most important thing the court has to consider is what’s in the child’s interests. That always has to be the top priority for the court. In order to do what’s right for the child, they may have to refuse your and your spouse’s proposed custody arrangement and propose something that benefits the child more, including joint custody.

FAQs

How Much Does a Custody Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

The cost of a custody lawyer in Illinois can vary. Every child custody case is different, with every case having its own contributing factors that will influence the court’s decision on allocation of parental responsibilities. The amount that your lawyer will charge you for their services will be determined by the complexity of your case, the willingness of both parties to compromise, and the lawyer’s own experience and education.

What Looks Bad in a Custody Battle?

There are many things that can look bad in a custody battle. Primarily, any behavior that does not prioritize your child’s welfare can look bad. Certain behaviors, such as parental neglect, aggressive instability, or speaking negatively about the other parent to your child, can significantly harm your case. Before arguing your case, you and your lawyer should discuss any behavior that can make you look unstable or abusive.

How Often Do Fathers Get Sole Custody in Illinois?

Fathers do not often get sole custody in an Illinois court battle over parental responsibilities. Generally, the family court prefers to award joint custody to both parents in an effort to ensure both parents continue to be equally responsible for raising their child. However, in cases where one parent is given sole custody, fathers still often face a lower likelihood of gaining sole custody. Sole custody is rarely granted at all unless there is evidence that one parent is unfit.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in Illinois?

There are many things that Judges look for in child custody cases in Illinois. Primarily, they are looking for each parent to step up, put aside their differences, and do what’s right for their child. In every custody case, the court has to prioritize the child’s well-being above all else. If the parents are also doing that, the Judge looks favorably on that. In most cases, they will push for joint custody.

Reach Out to a Compassionate and Effective Child Custody Lawyer Today

As you work through your parental responsibilities case and try to do what’s right for your child’s future, you will want the right kind of legal representation supporting you. At Schaffer Family Law, Ltd., we can provide you with the legal support you need throughout your case. Contact us to speak with a team member about how we can help.