Parenting/Child Custody

A Parenting/Child Custody Law Firm

Fighting for Parenting/Child Custody can be expensive and emotionally exhausting for parents and children alike. If you are going through or have gone through a divorce, our lawyers can guide you through the Parenting/Child Custody process smoothly and with professional compassion.

If you have children, our lawyers will assist you to minimize potential impact on your children.

A Chicago Parenting/Child Custody Law Firm for Parents and Children

Our lawyers are diligent and understand all of the nuances involved in divorce and Parenting/Child Custody cases. We have represented thousands of parents and children in Parenting/Child Custody cases throughout Illinois, including Chicago, Wheaton, Arlington Heights and Barrington. The lawyers at Miriam Cooper’s office will walk you through all of your options, ensuring that we take the best approach for you in moving through the divorce and Parenting/Child Custody process.

Miriam Cooper represents both parents and children, often appointed by the court to serve as an advocate for the child (guardian ad litem or child representative). In this role, Ms. Cooper advises the court on the best interests of that child or children. Her attuned perception and insight, from her years of experience in Parenting/Child Custody, divorce, and visitation, cue her into the complexities that influence Parenting/Child Custody awards. We are often able to avoid Parenting/Child Custody battles by crafting creative solutions that satisfy all parties and the court, such as shared Parenting/Child Custody and co-parenting, when necessary.

Joint Parenting/Child Custody and Sole Custody

There are two legal forms of Parenting/Child Custody in Illinois:

• Joint Parenting/Child Custody and sole custody. Joint Parenting/Child Custody gives both parents the rights to care for the children and make important decisions jointly on their behalf.
• Sole custody gives one parent the right to care for the children and make important decisions, while the other parent generally has rights to visitation. Terms such as residential custodian or primary custodial parent are often used in Illinois to denote the parent with whom the children reside. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act requires that Parenting/Child Custody be determined within 18 months of the date of service of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (divorce suit). The court will often appoint a certified child representative or guardian ad litem, like Miriam Cooper, and a psychologist or psychiatrist to evaluate the family in an effort to expedite the process. The cost for the appointment of these professionals may be apportioned to one or both of the parties.

How the Court Decides:

• Parenting/Child Custody cases are based on your ability to be a good parent, and not solely on whether your spouse is a bad parent.
• Parenting time is not usually affected by whether the court awards joint Parenting/Child Custody or sole Parenting/Child Custody; the Parenting/Child Custody decree does not determine the amount of time the parents spend with the children; however, as one parent is designated residential or custodial parent, the children may be with that parent more then the other parent.
• Sole Parenting/Child Custody determines which parent has authority to make the important decisions in the child’s life, such as which school to attend, what religion will be supported, and decisions affecting medical care.

Free Initial Consultation with A Parenting/Child Custody Lawyer

Call our office today at 847-995-8800 to speak with one of our lawyers to discuss how we can help you resolve your legal issues. We can work together to get you the relief you need.