The most precious asset of a divorce is, of course, your children. Even though you might be angry at your spouse, you don't want that anger to interfere with your child's well-being. Contact an experienced Cook County child custody and visitation attorney at the Law Offices of Edward I. Stein to discuss your situation.
Northbrook Joint Custody
When parents can agree on the decisions related to the growth and development of the child or children, joint custody is recommended. Attorney Stein, having written the "Marital Settlement Agreements" chapter in the Family Law Handbook, is well versed at crafting a viable joint custody agreement, which allows both parents to work together for the benefit of their children. We encourage parents to have an open and honest communication with their children that is necessary to help the kids through this difficult emotional time. Children must be told that both parents still love them, that the divorce is not their fault and that they still have both parents who will always be there for them.
Sole Custody
When parents cannot agree on the life-altering decisions of the child's future, joint custody is not recommended. In sole custody, one parent is given the responsibility of caring for and making decisions for the child or children. In determining custody, the court examines multiple factors, including, but not limited to:
- Parental fitness
- Ability to communicate and cooperate with the other parent regarding the child's welfare
- Geographic proximity of each parent
- Any potential harm to the child's psychological or emotional development
Our firm can answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding child custody or parenting time. Do not hesitate to contact a lawyer at our offices in Cook County.
Visitation and Parenting Time
Typically, the non-custodial parent is granted visitation rights unless the court feels that such visits would be detrimental to the children. Parents may make child visitation agreements themselves, but if a friendly agreement cannot be reached, the court sets a schedule for visitation, or it orders that the non-custodial parent be allowed reasonable visitation. Since the term "reasonable" is very subjective, the better practice is to have a detailed visitation provision so that the parties and the children have more certainty as to when the children will be with each parent. Visitation is modifiable by a court if changing circumstances warrant a modification. In the case of Joint Custody, the non-residential parent's time with the children is commonly designated as parenting time.
Contact Our Firm
If you have questions regarding child custody and visitation in Illinois, contact the Law Offices of Edward I. Stein to schedule a consultation. In addition to our main office in Northbrook, Cook County, we maintain offices in Deerfield, Skokie and Chicago for use by appointment. Call us at 847-480-9090 or contact us via this website.
