Aurora Child Custody Lawyer

Disputes about child custody can be painful and grueling and are one of the most difficult issues to resolve when a couple is getting divorced. Both parents believe they have their child’s best interests in mind and both want to spend the maximum amount of time possible with their kids. Settling a custody disagreement is easier with an Aurora child custody lawyer on your side.

Family law attorneys have the knowledge and resources to help spouses negotiate custody agreements without letting emotions get in the way. Communication among spouses can be difficult at the best of times. It’s understandable that those difficulties may be compounded while divorcing. By working with a Georgia custody lawyer, you’ll know that someone who understands the state’s custody laws is on your side.

Call Wolfe & Stec LTD at 630-305-0222 to schedule a free child custody consultation. 

What Does an Aurora Child Custody Lawyer Do?

The Role of a Family Attorney in Aurora

A skilled family attorney can accomplish many things most divorcing people can’t. Navigating the Illinois legal system alone while worrying about your child’s future and other details of a marriage dissolution is stressful. Our divorce attorneys work hard to provide a positive outcome that everyone feels comfortable with.

Manage Paperwork and Deadlines

It is always the hope that a couple can come to an agreement on custody matters without going to court. But on the rare occasion a dispute does end up in family court, your Georgia custody lawyer will manage all the paperwork and meet all filing deadlines on your behalf. A missed deadline could delay the dissolution process and result in higher legal fees.

Handle Complex Legal Issues

If one parent lives in a different state or country, custody agreements can become extremely complicated. It takes an experienced family attorney to know the unique legal issues that apply to multi-jurisdictional custody disputes.

Negotiate Successfully

Illinois parents are required by law to participate in mediation before a custody dispute goes to court. Mediation is necessary only if the parties are unable to negotiate an agreement on their own. An Aurora child custody lawyer knows how to reduce conflict and keep negotiations moving forward. Your attorney will advocate for you without bringing emotional baggage to the process.

Modify an Existing Agreement

Child custody agreements can be modified after they’ve been made. As the child gets older their needs change, and family circumstances may also change. Parents might remarry, move, or have other children to consider. Your family law attorney can assist with modifying an agreement and prevent violation of your custody order from becoming a complication.

Your Aurora child custody lawyer is an advocate who can speak for you in court and present your case calmly and professionally. 

Represent You in Court

Most Illinois residents don’t know the laws around child custody. A lack of knowledge could affect your case. A lack of understanding of the law combined with an emotional issue such as child custody could result in major legal mistakes. Your lawyer is your advocate. He knows how to represent your interests in court and present your side of the custody issue calmly and professionally.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Illinois?

Illinois child custody laws seek to put the best interests of the child, not the parents, first. The court considers many factors, including the physical and mental health of all parties, the child’s ability to adjust to a new home, school, or community, and the child’s wishes.

The process of deciding custody includes:

  • Filing a petition for custody
  • Participating in mandatory parenting and mediation classes (unless dismissed by the judge)
  • Receiving temporary custody orders
  • Evaluation and involvement from a guardian ad litem (as needed)
  • Pretrial proceedings
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Finalization of custody orders.

The allocation of parenting time (previously known as “child placement”) refers to the days and times a child is with one parent or the other. The court makes a final decision about the allocation of parenting time only after considering several key factors, including the child’s wishes and needs and each parent’s ability to meet those needs.

The court carefully weighs all of these variables before making placement decisions. When possible, co-parenting, which involves both parents working together cooperatively to raise a child, is preferred. Co-parenting requires flexibility and mutual respect from both parents. It may not always be possible.

When parents are unmarried, the mother assumes sole custody until paternity is confirmed and an allocation of parenting time order has been granted. If both parents are found to be fit to parent, both will receive parenting time if the court determines that it is in the child’s best interests.

What Are the Types of Custody in Illinois?

Several types of custody may be granted.

Joint Custody

Joint custody is defined as a legal arrangement where parents share significant decision-making responsibilities, such as decisions about medical care and education. Joint custody agreements also oversee the division of parenting time.

Sole Custody

Sole custody is a legal arrangement that gives one parent the decision-making responsibilities and all their responsibilities for parenting time. Having sole custody doesn’t mean the custodial parent can’t discuss decisions with the other parent, but they aren’t legally required to.

Should I Hire a Family Law Attorney for Child Custody?

You may think child custody attorneys are unnecessary if you and your spouse plan to co-parent cooperatively. Discord isn’t the only reason to have an attorney represent you. There are many reasons why working with an Aurora child custody lawyer is in the best interests of you and your child, such as:

  • Local court systems can be difficult to navigate alone.
  • Your spouse hired a child custody attorney.
  • You or your spouse is planning to move out of state.
  • You need legal help with the divorce process in general.
  • A custody evaluator or guardian ad litem has been assigned to your case.
  • Domestic violence is a concern.
  • Your child has special needs.

Some people assume that handling custody issues themselves will save money. While it’s possible, a lack of legal representation is more likely to prolong the process, which may cost more money, stress, and frustration in the long run.

Why Choose Us?

Why Wolfe & Stec LTD Should Be Your Aurora Child Custody Lawyer

Wolfe & Stec LTD offers comprehensive family law services throughout the Aurora area. When divorce, child custody disputes, and other sensitive family law issues arise, you need compassionate representation that is dedicated to helping your family through a difficult time.

Our attorneys work to develop strong relationships with our clients so we can serve them better. Before making a final decision, we encourage clients to review our attorney’s track records. Some of our example cases include reports on child custody and child support results. Our attorneys have proven track records when it comes to family law cases such as visitation, custody, and support. We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention and open communication.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with Wolfe & Stec LTD, and we will evaluate the best way to move your custody case forward.

FAQ

Many questions arise when you’re going through a divorce. Here are some of the most common questions we are asked at Wolfe & Stec LTD.

Which parent is obligated to provide financial support?

Illinois law requires both parents to support their children. The state uses an “income share” model that considers both parents’ income. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services provides more information to help parents understand their financial obligations.

How does domestic violence affect child custody?

An arrest or conviction for domestic violence can severely affect a parent’s custody and visitation rights. Illinois courts take domestic violence seriously. A parent with a history or allegations of abuse may not be allowed to visit their children without supervision. If a restraining order is filed, the process can become even more complicated. An experienced Aurora child custody lawyer can advise you on your parental rights when domestic violence is an issue.

When does a court-ordered child custody agreement end?

“Court-ordered” custody refers to arrangements that were directed by the court and not necessarily agreed upon by the parents. Court-ordered custody can be temporary, with an ending time written into the order.

Court-ordered custody typically ends when the child:

  • Turns 18
  • Gets married
  • Enters the military
  • Becomes deceased
  • The court ends the custody order.

Eighteen is the age of majority in Illinois, which means a person becomes an adult in the eyes of the law.

Can I stop making child support payments if I lose custody? 

No, losing custody or not having access to visitation does not excuse a parent from paying support. If you are being prevented from visitation during times agreed upon in a court order, child custody lawyers in Aurora can help you resolve the situation.

Your family attorney will be happy to answer any other questions you may have about child custody.

Call Wolfe & Stec LTD for More Information About Child Custody

An Aurora child custody lawyer represents you and your child’s best interests in child custody matters. Family lawyers fulfill many roles in the child custody process, including navigating through the complex Illinois legal system and assisting with negotiations. If the custody case goes to court, your attorney will represent you in a court of law.

Hiring a family law attorney is always recommended, especially for complicated interstate custody agreements and when domestic violence is a concern. If your spouse has hired an attorney, you should also have an experienced Georgia custody lawyer fighting for you.

Contact Wolfe & Stec LTD at 630-305-0222 to schedule your no-cost child custody consultation.

Attorney Marc Wolfe

Marc Wolfe has been representing clients in criminal matters in Chicago and the entire State of Illinois for over 30 years. Mr. Wolfe has tried over 300 cases to verdict and represents clients facing investigation or prosecution for a broad range of state and federal criminal offenses, including murder, embezzlement, sexual abuse, drugs, marijuana and white collar crimes. [ Attorney Bio ]

Woodridge Illinois Law Firm

3321 Hobson Road, Suite B
Woodridge, IL 60517
Phone: 630-305-0222

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