Hoffman Estates Child Custody Lawyer

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 child custody attorney in Hoffman Estates.

 If you are in South Barrington, Barrington, Deer Park, Barrington Hills, or surrounding Cook County, 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).

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How Does Child Custody Work 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

What Is Considered 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
• Evidence of cruelty
• Substance abuse
• A lack of responsibility

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 Hoffman Estates legal team at 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 in Hoffman Estates, fill out an online free case evaluation form today.