Category: Child Custody

The steps to take if an ex-spouse violates a parenting plan depends on your relationship with the ex and the nature of the violation. One-time violations, especially if minor and unintentional, are not likely to result in much. You may accidentally violate the parenting plan on occasion too, so these types of minor breaches you may just want to overlook.

What not to say in child custody mediation includes anything unduly offensive, wandering, or disorganized, anything disrespectful to the mediator and the other parent, and anything not in the child's best interests. Remaining courteous and cooperative is important because the mediator can make recommendations to the court in case you and the other parent do not agree. The recommendations might not reflect well on you if you have been combative.

If someone else has custody of your son or daughter, there are steps you can take to modify or reverse your child custody order in Illinois. A child custody lawyer can help you understand how to get custody of your child back and guide you through the legal process to increase your chances of success. Parents working to regain custody of their children must prove that it is in their children's best interests. Parents should meticulously follow any conditions the court sets, retain legal counsel, and remain patient because the proceedings do, unfortunately, move slowly. Whatever the reasons behind the initial loss of custody, it can be an extensive process to rectify the issue. 

There are a variety of reasons why a judge would modify parenting time. In Illinois, legal parental agreements are binding, but the court may modify parenting time at any time to protect the best interest of a child. A parenting time agreement may be modified due to changes in family circumstances, custody arrangements, child safety concerns, and maturing children.

When extracurricular activities interfere with parenting time schedules, parent communication, flexibility, and co-parenting apps can simplify conflicts. Parenting plans are designed to help divorced parents share in time and activities with their children. A child custody lawyer can help coparents resolve disputes and revise parenting plans. 

To determine who has custody of a child when the parents are not married in Illinois, the courts will begin by considering whether parentage was established. For biological mothers who are unmarried, parentage is automatically established. In most cases, the mother will retain sole legal and residential custody until the father establishes parentage. Unmarried fathers often hire a family law attorney to help them prove paternity, so they can enjoy parenting rights and responsibilities. 

Individuals can find an attorney that works well for them through references, interviews, and other resources. For many people considering divorce or dealing with child custody issues, finding a child custody attorney to help them resolve custody issues is a top priority.

When parents are fighting for custody of their children, there are things they should avoid. Any action that makes it appear as if they don't have the children's best interest at heart could sway the court's opinion and hurt their custody case.

If an Illinois parent endangers a child’s mental, emotional, moral, or physical health, he or she is considered a threat to the child’s safety and can be denied parenting time or responsibilities. If the parent is a convicted sex offender, the court may terminate his or her parental rights. Abusing family members, addiction to alcohol or other drugs, or living with a convicted sex offender are other situations that can result in parental rights denial.