Child Custody Attorney Serving Barrington
Protecting the Best Interests of Children in Cook County
Child custody is one of the most important issues in your divorce. Making a cooperative decision on where your child will live, or which parent will be responsible for making major decisions regarding health care and education, can have lasting effects on your immediate and extended family.
This is why it is of utmost importance that you seek the experienced legal guidance of a skilled attorney. If you are in South Barrington, Barrington, Barrington Hills, and Hoffman Estates, the Law Firm of Caryl Jacobs Gabe, Ltd, offers local representation, flexible appointment availability, and a variety of payment methods to discuss your matter. We also have an office in Palatine (by appointment).
We can help you understand how custody is decided in Illinois, how to modify custody, and what you can do if a custody order is violated. Our team is ready to provide guidance for all matters related to child custody.
Call our firm today at (847) 278-2851 to speak with an Illinois child custody attorney.
How Is Child Custody Determined in Illinois?
In Illinois, family law courts favor the cooperation of both parents, but not necessarily joint custody in determining the legal and physical arrangements for your child or children. Foremost in any decision is the child’s well-being and best interests. Courts may also seek to maintain the status quo, or keep the way of life that your child is accustomed to.
A judge considers many factors when deciding on custody, including:
- The criminal history of both parents, including allegation of domestic violence
- The parent’s cooperation or reluctance to foster a relationship with the non-custodial parent
- A parent’s overall fitness and mental and physical health
- The child’s wishes, if they are mature enough to have a say
- The overall stability of the home
- If a parent intends to remarry or live with a new partner
How to Determine an Unfit Parent in Illinois
An Illinois judge does not have any interest in taking children away from their biological parents. However, there may be immediate and concerning reasons to do so. If a parents fitness is questioned, there will have to be certain processes to determine if there are unfit. Unfit parent basically means that they do not have the child's best interests at heart.
According to the Illinois Adoption Act, there are certain criteria that will help a judge declare fitness. These include:
- Abandonment of the child
- Neglect of the child
- Evedince of cruelty
- Substance abuse
- A lack of resposnibilty
Providing the Personal Attention You Deserve
Whether you are going through a divorce, or if your situation has changed and you need to modify your custody agreement, the Law Firm of Caryl Jacobs Gabe, Ltd. may be able to help. At our firm, we are dedicated to providing clients throughout the North and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago with skilled legal service tailored to their family’s needs. Our Cook County child custody lawyers focus on practical solutions for complex and emotionally charged issues, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most.
To retain the legal service of our experienced child custody lawyer, fill out an online free case evaluation form today.