Chicago Child Custody Attorneys

Experienced Child Custody and Visitation Lawyers

Child custody matters require expertise in all family law areas. The attorneys of Anderson & Associates, P.C. provide legal knowledge and assistance to clients with divorce, child custody, and visitation problems. Our legal team aids in settling agreements and providing mediation for clients if necessary. Legal representation is also available when two parties cannot agree. Our attorneys are experienced in child custody court proceedings and can provide you with quality legal advice and representation.

Child Custody and Protecting Children

The best interests of minor children are the most important factors in any child custody case. When judgments are made, there are many aspects considered that will determine who will have custody. Our law firm researches the following terms for child custody agreements or cases:

• Who the primary caregiver for each child is
• How much each parent encourages a relationship with the other parent and extended family members
• History or likelihood of abuse or exposure to violence for each parent’s residence
• Drug or alcohol dependence of either parent
• Financial circumstances of both parents
• Exercised visitation rights of either parent
• Compliance with child support payments
• The living situation in each parent’s residence
• Residents or other people who spend time at each parent’s residence, such as other children, new spouses, and significant others
• Educational availability to the children facilitated by either parent

Though these aspects are strongly considered in child custody cases, they are not the only determining factors. Our attorneys have years of experience with child custody cases and will work hard to create an agreement that provides the best environment for the children involved. Anderson & Associates, P.C. strives to find harmony for all family law issues and tries to resolve disagreements outside of the courthouse. However, if a trial is needed, we will aggressively pursue your rights and the best interests of your children before a judge.

Understanding Child Custody and Protecting Your Rights

The chief problem in determining child custody is whether there should be sole custody by one parent or joint custody by both. When dealing with joint custody, one parent will have legal residential custody.

In the case of sole custody, the children will reside with one parent. This custodial parent makes all major decisions for the children such as education, religion, medical, and extracurricular activities. The other parent is considered the noncustodial parent and may be required to pay child support to the custodial parent.

Joint custody is when the children live with one parent, the residential custodian, but both parents have equal input on parental decision making. If the parents disagree, both parties must fix their problems in mediation before petitioning the court. Our attorneys can help you through the child custody process, answer any questions, and make sure you know your rights as a parent.

Comprehending Split and Shared Custody Determinations

Recently, split custody and shared custody agreements have become more prevalent. In split custody, each parent has custody of one or more of the parties’ children. With shared custody, all of the children reside with each parent nearly half of the time. There is no residential custody in these cases.

A top reason for the growing trend of split custody and shared custody resolutions is the changing role of parents in today’s lifestyle. Parents are increasingly more open to share custodial responsibilities and therefore favor split or shared arrangements. Courts have also ruled that guideline child support does not apply to either of these child custody matters. The court considers the following factors for split and shared custody:

• Each parents’ income
• Parenting time and availability
• Location of residences and work sites
• Parental cooperation
• Age of the children

Shared custody can ensure proper equalization of parenting time and expenses, but it is not always the best option. Each custody arrangement should be handled on a case-by-case basis. We can help you determine the best living situation for you and your children.

If you need help with child custody matters because of divorce, parentage, or any other family law circumstance, contact Anderson & Associates, P.C. for a free initial consultation. Our attorneys serve clients in the city of Chicago and surrounding Cook County, Illinois areas.