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Child Custody Cases Are Difficult Affairs Our Attorneys Will Fight to Keep Your Family Intact

Cook County Child Custody Attorney

Protecting the Best Interests of Your Child

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 Caryl Jacobs Gabe about your custody issue.

Types of Custody in Illinois

Legal vs. Physical Custody

Legal custody – This is when a parent (or both parents) is given the right and responsibility to make important life decisions on behalf of the child or children. These decisions include education, religious participation, extra-curricular activities, medical, etc.

Physical custody – This is when a parent (or both parents) is given the right and responsibility to physically care for the child or children. This refers to where the child will physically reside.

Sole vs. Joint Custody

Sole custody – This is when only one parent is given legal and/or physical custody of the child or children.

Joint custody – This is when both parents must share legal and/or physical custody of the child or children.

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

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.

Rave Reviews from
Happy Clients

  • She fought for me and I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for the best.

    “Wow! Thank you, thank you to Caryl Gabe and her staff. I had a very difficult custody battle with my ex and Caryl was always there for me. Her experience and creativity allowed me to gain full custody of my children. I went to other attorneys who listened to my predicament, and she was the ONLY ONE who said it was doable. She fought for me and I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for the best.”

    Laurie Faye

  • A true professional in every sense of the word.

    “I have known Caryl for quite a few years now and anyone looking for a family law attorney, she is the only one I recommend to all my clients. A true professional in every sense of the word.”

    I.C.

  • I have recommended my family to her over the years and their experiences have been wonderful as well.

    “I have hired Ms. Gabe on several occasions to assist me with my divorce and other family law related matters. She is a true professional, and always took the time to listen. I have recommended my family to her over the years and their experiences have been wonderful as well.”

    R.M.

  • Thank you for all that you did for me. It will not be forgotten.

    “Caryl handled my divorce and made a very difficult time in my life an easy one. Thank you for all that you did for me. It will not be forgotten.”

    S.N.

  • Thank you for all you did for me during that difficult time.

    “Any questions I had, Caryl or Tim would happily answer them. Caryl stood up for me repeatedly in an ugly battle. Things were done promptly, even when the other side was slow. Caryl's confidence is comforting and well deserved. Everything worked out in my favor in the end. Thank you for all you did for me during that difficult time. I appreciate the patience that shown to me, and the calming demeanor that was constant throughout. 5 stars is an understatement”

    Michael Davis