Top Chicago, IL Child Custody Lawyers Near You

Greenspoon Marder LLP

Child Custody Lawyers | Chicago Office

West Loop Riverside Plaza, 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 875, Chicago, IL 60606

1
Verified Attorney

The Taradash Group P.C.

Child Custody Lawyers | Chicago Office

180 North LaSalle Street, Suite 3700, Chicago, IL 60601

1
Verified Attorney

Das law, Ltd.

Child Custody Lawyers | Chicago Office

1016 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 509, Chicago, IL 60607

1
Verified Attorney

Kelley Kronenberg

Child Custody Lawyers | Chicago Office

161 N. Clark Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60601

1
Verified Attorney

Lathrop GPM

Child Custody Lawyers | Chicago Office

155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606

1
Verified Attorney

Dolci & Weiland

Child Custody Lawyers | Chicago Office

33 North Dearborn Street, Suite 1850, Chicago, IL 60602

2
Verified Attorneys
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Chicago, IL Lawyers in Related Practice Areas

CPS, Divorce, Family Law

Chicago Child Custody Information

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Find a Child Custody Attorney near Chicago

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Are You Trying to Get Custody of a Child?

Achieving custody of a child can be a highly emotional battle between parents. Add to that a number of legal issues courts weigh to award custody and child custody cases can become daunting. This area of law significantly impacts the child’s present well being and future.

Legal Issues in Child Custody

In determining who gets custody, courts consider what is in the “best interest” of the child, which is a broad term that does not have a fixed standard and can take into account a number of considerations. Child custody law is complex, so to get the best result obtaining the services of a qualified Chicago attorney who practices child custody law is imperative.

What do judges look for in custody cases?

In every state, family court judges must consider what is in the child’s best interests when determining custody. In most cases, judges emphasize making sure the child will spend ample time with both parents. To make this happen, a judge will likely want to know what each parent’s home environment is like, whether each parent will be able to give a child the proper attention, and which situation the child will be most likely to thrive in.

Who has legal custody of the child when the parents aren’t married?

If the parents are not married, the child’s biological parents both have parental rights unless the law says otherwise. An exception to this could be if no father is listed on the child’s birth certificate. In that case, the father would have to go through the legal process of establishing paternity to be able to assert his parental rights for visitation.

How can a mother lose custody of her child?

A mother can lose custody of her child in much the same way a father could. This could include abusing the child, abusing drugs or alcohol, providing an unsafe home environment for the child, or abandoning the child.

How can you change a child custody order?

If you or your ex are unhappy with the current custody arrangement, you can negotiate a change to your agreement. If a judge feels that the changes are still in the child’s best interests, then they may approve the order. If one of you is pressing ahead with seeking a change and the other parent is contesting it, you will need to prove a “substantial” change in circumstances. This could include one of the parents moving out of state, suffering from a disability or illness that affects their parenting ability, exposing the child to an unsafe environment, or having a change in work circumstances that requires rescheduling of visitation.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

  • What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
  • What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?

An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic “road map” on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you’ve laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.

Court Locations in Chicago, IL

Circuit Court of Cook County - County Division

50 West Washington St.
Chicago, IL. 60602
Phone: (312) 603-6194
Court Website

Circuit Court of Cook County - Criminal Division

2600 South California Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60608
Phone: (773) 674-3160
Court Website

Circuit Court of Cook County - First Municipal District

50 West Washington St.
Chicago, IL. 60602
Phone: (312) 603-6132
Court Website
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