Trying to establish a custody order for children can be very difficult for the parents and the child. In many instances, these types of situations occur when a marriage has failed and emotions are running high. Child custody lawyers in St. Charles, IL can help a parent through the difficult process of understanding the law and the key points the court is interested in. The court understands that parents will attempt to make the other parent look bad and a lawyer will present the parent in the best light possible.
Determining Custody
The main thing the court is interested in is the best interests of the child. They want to minimize the disruption in a child’s life, while still providing continuing and frequent contact between the child and their parents. A court will not take kindly to a parent who continually attempts to involve the child in the custody dispute against the other parent.
Governing Laws
Child custody will be established based on the Uniform Child Custody Act, which is intended to reduce interstate conflicts with minor children. Illinois courts also recognize parents and grandparents’ rights. Legal custody and physical custody are two separate areas the court will also determine when making a child custody determination.
Physical and Legal Custody of a Child
This term is used when determining whom a child will live with. Legal custody determines whether both parents will have the legal right to make major decisions that can affect the child’s life. The courts will try to provide legal custody to both parents and physical custody to a primary parent with frequent contact with the other parent.
Sole Custody
Sole custody is only awarded in certain circumstances. If there has been a history of abuse, abandonment, addiction problems, criminal convictions, or domestic violence, sole custody might be awarded. The various types of custody can be thoroughly explained by child custody lawyers in St. Charles, IL to help through this difficult time.
It’s very important for a parent to keep their child protected from all of the challenges that can occur during a custody dispute. It’s always very important for the parent to be honest with their attorney so there are no surprises in court. The Cosentino Law Firm, LLC has years of experience successfully representing parents and grandparents who are involved in child custody action.
