Child Custody

Finding Custody and Visitation Solutions

Parents have good reasons for getting divorced. Sometimes, the whole reason for the divorce is to protect the children. In other cases, parents have personal differences, and there is no reason for their relationships with their children to suffer.

At the Steele Law Firm in Chicago, Illinois, our goal is to protect children by giving parents the opportunity to tell their side of the story and seek their preferred child custody and visitation arrangements. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.

Understanding the Legal Standard

In Illinois, the family law standard governing child custody and visitation is the best interests of the child. Under this standard, the judge must agree with the outcome, even if the parents come up with a plan between themselves.

It is generally considered to be in the best interests of the child to have both parents involved in his or her life, if and to the extent that they are responsible parents.

If you seek legal intervention into a child custody matter, rest assured that we will advocate diligently for you, fully safeguarding your and your child's rights and promoting the child's best interests.

Often, a child's parents are granted joint custody when it comes to making decisions about education, health care and similar issues, but one parent is granted primary custody over where the child lives. However, this is not always the case.

It is important to find a workable solution to child custody and visitation, since it usually cannot be modified for two years.

Contact us to discuss your particular situation and goals with a skilled divorce lawyer. We will come up with a plan to strongly advocate for your position.

A System Designed to Protect Children

If a child is mature enough, her or his preferences may be taken into account in the child custody decision. In addition, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem and/or an attorney to represent a child's interests during the proceedings.

Whether or not a guardian or attorney is appointed, efforts by a parent to influence the child's preference can be psychologically damaging and, if discovered by the court, can weigh against the parent, especially if these efforts attempt to damage the child's relationship with the other parent.