Custody cases can get messy. Even when couples agree to co-parent, there are countless details that need to be worked out.
When children are involved, problems often arise between parents. And the complications from the sweeping number of changes to the Illinois custody laws that took effect July 1, 2017, only make gaining guardianship over your children more confusing.
At Michelle Moore Law, we will assist you with any questions you might have on how these new mandates affect your rights in Itasca, Wood Dale, Dupage County or wherever you reside in Illinois.
In addition, we will guide you through the different options of custody.
Types of Custody
Many people are unaware that different types of custody options that exist. A qualified attorney in this area of law will review the choices available, including:
- Physical custody is one of the most common types of child custody. In this situation, one parent is designated as being the one with which the child lives.
- Sole physical custody occurs when a child lives primarily with one parent while the other parent only has limited visitation or custody rights. Sole custody is often awarded when it can be shown that one parent is unfit to be a parent, often due to financial, drug or alcohol problems.
- Legal Custody of a child means that one parent has the legal authority to make the majority of decisions about the child’s education, health, and upbringing. This adult will have the authority to decide which school to send the child to, which religion the child will practice, and what sorts of medical care the child will receive.
- Joint physical custody takes place when a child will be staying with both parents for significant periods of time. Joint legal custody requirescooperation and joint decision making.
One of the main advantages of joint custody is that the children remain in close contact with both of their parents and continue their relationships with both sides. In addition, joint custody places an equal burden on both parents to raise the child.
But there are also disadvantages to joint custody. Children must constantly be passed back and forth, and if either parent has any ill will towards the other, it may negatively affect the children.
These are only some of the challenges that parents face in custody cases. That is why you need a skilled and knowledgeable attorney to guide you.
Experience Counts
Child custody cases are difficult legally, emotionally and financially. Having professional assistance in these types of cases from an impartial party will help you make the right decisions.
If you live in the Wheaton, Elmhurst, Bloomingdale or any other Illinois community and have questions about the various types of child custody and which may be best for you and your child, contact us now at 630.858.9800 or email consult@michellemoorelaw.com for a free consultation on your custody case.