5 Things You Should Know about When it Comes to Child Custody Cases in Chicago, and Where You Can Go for Legal Help with Your Chicago Child Custody Case

Child custody is undoubtedly one of the most important issues that comes up in a Chicago divorce in which children have been born during the marriage. Indeed, after a married couple decides to get divorced in Chicago, one of the first things that many Chicago couples must consider is who will get to make the important life decisions surrounding their child, and with which parent the child will primarily live. These issues are not ones that are often settled quickly, and sometimes if Chicago parents cannot come to a decision, a judge will have to make it for them. But what are some of the key considerations when it comes to child custody in Chicago these days, and where can Chicago parents go for legal help with their important child custody issues? To help Chicago parents better understand the complex issue of child custody under Illinois child custody laws, and where they can go for help, we answer those questions here.

Key Considerations for Chicago Parents Facing Child Custody Issues

There are a number of issues and considerations that parents must think about and be aware of when it comes to child custody in Chicago. However, some of the basic ins-and-outs of Chicago child custody determinations include:

• The best interests of the child will typically be considered: in Chicago child custody cases, the court will prioritize the child’s “best interests” when making legal rulings, not the wishes and wants of the child’s parents;
• There are two important types of child custody in Chicago: Illinois child custody laws distinguish between legal custody, or decision-making responsibilities and physical custody, or parenting time;
• The “fitness” of the parents will also be considered, as well as their past conduct: an analysis into the best interests of the child also includes a dive into the fitness of the parents to care for the child. A Chicago judge will consider whether a parent has a history of domestic violence or abuse against the child, has drug abuse problems, and other factors in making child custody determinations;
• Co-Parenting and Child Custody in Chicago: Chicago courts support a positive relationship between the parents of a child in the midst of a child custody dispute;
• The child’s wishes when it comes to Chicago child custody determinations: the best interests of the child and the child’s own wishes are two separate things. A court may consider the child’s wishes, if the child is old enough.

There are many other important aspects of child custody cases in Chicago, but these are some of the basic issues that commonly come up in Chicago child custody disputes that Chicago parents should know.

Legal Help with Your Child Custody Case in Chicago

If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your Chicago child custody case, contact the experienced Chicago child custody lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. The experienced Chicago child custody lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.