Going through a divorce or family law issue such as child custody, adoption or child support is stressful and emotionally draining. It is important to partner with a point cook family lawyer who can help you reach a fair and equitable result. This will allow you to move on with your life without the stress and uncertainty that often comes with a divorce or other family law matter.
Divorce
Divorce is a legal process that terminates the marital rights and responsibilities between two people. It can be an intensely emotional and difficult time, so it is important to have a skilled point cook family lawyer on your side who will help you get through the process with as little stress and expense as possible.
In a divorce case, the court decides on issues like child custody, support and property division. It can also order temporary orders related to these issues before a trial takes place.
The court may also award a divorce “in absentia,” or without the spouse’s signature, if they cannot be located after a diligent effort to locate them. This can be particularly helpful in contested divorce cases where the spouses do not agree on all of the issues.
Many couples are able to resolve their divorce issues through a less adversarial approach, such as mediation or collaborative divorce. These approaches involve a number of parties involved in the case, including a mediator or lawyers who have trained in mediation and collaborative divorce, as well as a neutral financial specialist or divorce coach who will help the spouses come to an agreed resolution on key issues.
Child Custody
Child custody is a complex matter that involves legal and physical care of a child. This can include determining parenting time, decision making capacity, support for educational and medical needs, and other responsibilities.
Illinois courts consider a wide variety of factors to determine what is in a child’s best interests. Those factors include the parents’ physical health, mental health, lifestyle habits, decision making capacity, neglect or abuse risks, and more.
Depending on the age of the child, the court may also consider their preferences. For example, if the child is young, they might prefer to see one parent more often than the other.
If the parents cannot come to an agreement on a custody arrangement, they are required by law to attend court-ordered mediation. These sessions are free, non-binding and involve a certified mediator, who is a neutral third-party attorney, social worker or psychologist. These sessions are often held in a private location, such as the parent’s home.
Child Support
If you’re dealing with a child support situation, it can be difficult to know what your rights are and how to get your case resolved. A point cook family lawyer will be able to explain your options and help you navigate the process from start to finish.
The court-ordered amount of child support is based on each parent’s income and how much time the children spend with each parent. This is done to ensure that both parents are able to provide for their children and to protect the interests of the child.
A child support order can be modified if there has been a substantial change in either parents’ income or in the needs of their children. A lawyer can help you submit a modification request or defend against one.
Adoption
Adoption is an incredible way to expand your family, add to your existing one, or share your love with a child who needs it. It’s also a lifelong bond that can help your adopted child discover his or her gifts and talents.
If you’re interested in adopting a child, it’s important to choose the right adoption agency. An attorney with experience in adoption can guide you through the process.
There are many types of adoption, including domestic infant adoptions, stepparent adoptions, foster care adoptions, and international adoptions. Each of these adoptions has unique requirements and procedures.
The adoption of a child is a legal process that ends the natural parents’ rights to a child and gives permanent legal responsibility to the adoptive parents. The process can be complex, but the results are worth the effort.
