Chicago Child Custody Lawyers
Fighting for Fair Custody & Parenting Time in Cook & DuPage Counties
The divorce process can be difficult in any situation, but matters related to a couple's children are often especially hard to resolve. If you and your spouse do not agree on how you will make decisions about raising your children, the amount of time children will spend with each parent, or other issues that affect your ability to work together as co-parents, you may need to take steps to protect your parental rights and make sure your children's ongoing needs will be met.
The child custody attorneys at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC understand the complex legal and emotional issues involved in divorce cases involving children. We provide compassionate representation for parents, and we will help you work toward a resolution that protects your children's best interests. If you and your spouse are unable to agree on a parenting plan as part of your divorce settlement, we will help you fight for your parental rights through litigation in court.
Addressing Child Issues During Divorce
You and your spouse will need to create a parenting plan that addresses how matters related to your children will be handled going forward. As you work out the details of your parenting plan, you may need to address:
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
During your divorce, resolving issues related to your children will be one of your most vital concerns. As a parent, you want what is best for your children at all times, and you will want to be sure that you can make the right decisions about how they will be raised. When addressing issues related to child custody, you need a skilled attorney on your side who can ensure that your children's best interests are protected.
Illinois Child Custody Laws
Under Illinois law, what is commonly referred to as "child custody" is known as the "allocation of parental responsibilities." This involves the right to make decisions about how children will be raised. The four major areas of decision-making responsibility that may be allocated between parents include: education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Each of these types of responsibilities may be allocated solely to one parent or shared by both parents.
Divorcing parents will need to create a parenting plan that addresses the allocation of parental responsibilities, as well as parenting time schedules, rules that parents will follow when caring for children, transportation arrangements, and any other relevant issues. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and work with you to negotiate the terms of your parenting plan. If an agreement cannot be reached, we can advocate for you through litigation in court.
If child custody matters do need to be resolved in court, the judge will make the final decisions based on what would be in the children's best interests. Illinois law identifies a number of factors that a judge should consider, and our attorneys can help you address these issues when making your case. These factors may include:
- Children's needs and their adjustment to their home, school, and community - We can show that you are the parent who can best provide for your children, and we can demonstrate that you will be able to minimize the disruptions to their lives during and after your divorce.
- Past participation in significant decision-making for children - We can help you demonstrate the level of responsibility you have had regarding your children in the past and show why you should continue to have the authority to make decisions for them.
- Physical and mental health - The court may consider the health of parents and children. We can help you show that you understand how to meet your children's healthcare needs, and if necessary, we can address any concerns you may have about your ex-spouse's health issues.
- Cooperation between parents - A judge will look at whether you and your ex-spouse are willing to work together to raise children and whether each of you is willing and able to encourage your children to have a close and continuing relationship with their other parent. We can help you demonstrate your ability to cooperate while addressing any negative behaviors by your ex-spouse, such as attempts at parental alienation.
- Restrictions - If there has been any history of abuse or threats of violence by your ex-spouse, or if you believe that your children may be in danger of harm, we can help you demonstrate why their parental responsibilities should be restricted.
At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, our attorneys have been working in the field of family law since 2005, and we are ready to fight for you and your family during your divorce case. We will help you understand your rights as a parent, and we will aggressively advocate for an outcome that will allow you to meet your children's needs following your divorce.
To learn more about how we can help you achieve success in your divorce, contact us at (312) 605-4041. From our offices in Chicago, Elmhurst, and Park Ridge, we represent clients throughout Cook County and DuPage County.
Child Custody Evaluators and Other Professionals
While some divorces may require only the services of an experienced divorce attorney, others can require the services of additional professionals, whether for the actual divorce or during child custody proceedings. It is important that your divorce attorney have the necessary resources to enable you to achieve the very best outcome for your specific circumstances. The Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC attorneys have those resources and networks and use them to better aid their clients.
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"I needed an attorney who would fight for me and also keep me focused, and Maxine had my back."Maxine was very professional and worked efficiently to complete our case. Highly recommend!- Gloria B.
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"As a client of WKO, I highly recommend Amanda Oliver."She has extensive experience to address family law issues efficiently and effectively. She is direct, informative, knowledgeable, resourceful and well-respected in the legal community. I love how she anticipates and mitigates potential issues, strategizes next steps, and keeps me informed along the way. If you have to go thru the divorce process, you want Amanda in your corner. HIGHLY recommend!- Angela L.
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"Divorce isn’t always easy but Maxine and her team at WKO make it so."Maxine and her team have exceeded my expectations. Focused on the family and doing the right thing for everyone involved. Most importantly, my children. I’m deeply grateful for her efforts.- Stephen G.
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"I am so glad I chose Amanda & her team."I highly recommend Amanda Oliver & her team at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver. Everyone I dealt with was professional, empathetic & compassionate. They make their clients their priority. Their fee structure was fair & very transparent.- Amy S.
Contact a Child Custody Lawyer in Chicago, IL
During the divorce process, you need a skilled legal advocate on your side who can help you understand your rights and how you can protect your children's best interests. At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, we will help you determine the best ways to address matters related to your children, and we will work with you to reach an outcome that will meet your family's needs.
The goal of the attorneys at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC is to provide professional excellence to every client. High-asset cases in particular may require the utilization of additional professionals who can be crucial to the discovery of hidden assets or to an accurate determination of personal or business income. Our attorneys consistently provide aggressive representation when warranted while always being prepared to negotiate and mediate when appropriate and have the necessary professional resources for those who require them.
Contact our office today at (312) 605-4041. We assist with child custody cases in Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Park Ridge, Burr Ridge, Chicago, Oak Brook, Skokie, River Forest, Lincolnwood, Cook County, and DuPage County.
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Mediation & Collaborative Law ExperienceOur attorneys are committed to helping clients explore alternate dispute resolution options, as we believe it empowers individuals to maintain control over the outcome of their case. This collaborative approach not only reduces conflict but often leads to more satisfying and lasting resolutions, ensuring our clients are happier with both the process and the result.
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Boutique Feel, High-Level ExperienceWe provide a tailored, deeply personal approach to family law, combining years of high-level experience with a commitment to understanding your specific needs. Our goal is to guide you through every stage of divorce with empathy, ensuring your family’s future is protected and your peace of mind restored.
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Personalized Service, Exceptional ValueWe pride ourselves on offering the same high level of expertise and experience as other boutique family law firms in downtown Chicago, Park Ridge, and Elmhurst. Our commitment to providing clients with more reasonable fees and direct access to the founding members of our firm, ensuring personalized attention and a deep, hands-on approach to each case.
