Chicago Child Custody & Visitation Lawyer

Chicago Child Custody Lawyer

It can be incredibly difficult for any parent to face losing time to spend with their child. Unfortunately, many divorces in Chicago, IL, require addressing child custody. It is also possible for unmarried parents to end their relationships and decide to raise their children separately as single parents. In either case, parents must resolve child custody through the court, obtaining legally enforceable terms and conditions for parenting time, parental responsibilities, and financial support for their children.

Guiding Parents Through Chicago Child Custody Determinations

If you have children in Chicago and are planning to divorce your spouse, or if you are an unwed parent seeking a custody order to determine legal rights over your children, Johnson O’Keefe can help. Our team has successfully guided many clients through difficult child custody determinations in the Illinois family court system. We understand the emotional challenges and procedural obligations in these cases and do everything we can to help our clients approach these disputes with peace of mind.

Navigating the intricate legal pathways of child custody can be overwhelming, especially for parents unfamiliar with family law. Johnson O’Keefe offers a comprehensive approach that includes assessing the specific needs and dynamics of each family. We work closely with our clients to develop tailored strategies, ensuring that all pertinent factors are considered, including parental availability, financial stability, and each child’s preferences and requirements. By collaborating with our clients, we strive to create an environment where children’s best interests are prioritized, contributing to more amicable resolutions and long-term stability for all parties involved.

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At Johnson O’Keefe, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
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Myles S. Johnson Photo

Myles S. Johnson

MEMBER

Genet T. Johnson

MEMBER

Shannon M. O'Keefe

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, MEMBER

Taylor K. Brice

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Jessica Lasky

DOAD, MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Anne E. Hinds

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Myron L. Latney Jr.

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Why Do I Need a Chicago Child Custody Attorney?

It is technically possible to resolve child custody without an attorney, but doing so is much more difficult than many parents expect. Even if you think you and your child’s other parent are on relatively agreeable terms, it is natural for any parent to want to fight for as much custody as possible when confronted with legal proceedings that could significantly impact their time with their child. Working with an experienced Chicago child custody attorney eliminates the possibility of any procedural or clerical errors interfering with your case, and you will also be better prepared to make your case for custody.

A family court judge must handle every child custody determination in Illinois. Every family court judge is beholden to ruling in favor of a child’s best interests no matter what a case entails. When parents go to Chicago family court to settle custody, the judge overseeing the case has the final say regarding the allocation of parenting time and assignment of parental responsibilities. Even if parents must resolve custody in divorce and take advantage of alternative dispute resolution, they cannot privately resolve any issues pertaining to child custody and/or child support.

Beyond navigating the legal complexities, a skilled attorney also offers essential emotional support throughout the process. Understanding the nuances of each situation allows us to advocate effectively for our clients’ rights while fostering a cooperative environment to avoid the escalation of conflicts. With Johnson O’Keefe by your side, you can count on thorough preparation and dedicated representation. Our proactive approach includes scenario planning and mediation, equipping parents to handle any curveballs that may arise during the proceedings and ensuring a structured method towards achieving an equitable resolution.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Illinois?

Every child custody dispute filed in the Illinois family court system must be reviewed and resolved by a family court judge. 

The judge is legally required to rule in favor of the best interests of the children in the case, and they accomplish this by carefully evaluating numerous factors, including:

  • The overall fitness of each parent for handling their child’s basic needs. If a parent has a criminal record, a history of domestic violence, or a substance abuse disorder, the judge will be unlikely to consider them fit for custody.
  • Family dynamics and the preferences of the child. The judge should strive to disrupt the child’s life as minimally as possible in their ruling, and they will also seek to evaluate the bond between the child and each parent. If the child is old enough to convey their preferences, the judge will probably want to hear what they have to say.
  • The child’s unique needs. If one parent is better suited to handle a child’s medical, social, developmental, or educational needs, this will factor heavily into the judge’s final decision.
  • The willingness and availability of each parent to assume custody. Child custody unfolds differently in every case. Some cases involve both parents fighting for as much custody as possible, while in other cases, one parent may be unable or unwilling to assume a significant share of custody. As a result, judges must carefully evaluate a custodial parent’s ability to manage their child’s everyday schedule, the demands of their respective careers, and the child’s unique needs when assigning custody.
  • The living arrangements of each of the parents. The judge must ensure that any parent with physical custody has appropriate space for their children and the ability to provide a safe environment for them. If divorcing or separated parents live close to one another, joint parenting is easier to arrange.

Ultimately, every child custody case requires careful evaluation of multiple factors, and no two cases unfold exactly the same. Therefore, you need responsive and experienced legal counsel on your side, regardless of how easy or difficult you expect your custody determination to be. Johnson O’Keefe can provide ongoing guidance as all stages of your court proceedings unfold.

In Illinois, the custody determination process is also influenced by any prior agreements that parents may have in place. For instance, pre-existing agreements regarding parenting time and responsibilities may be considered by the judge, especially if they align with the child’s best interest. Additionally, the court sometimes seeks input from child psychologists or welfare experts to provide an impartial assessment of the child’s living conditions and recommended custody arrangements. It is crucial for parents to understand these dynamics to prepare adequately and present the most compelling arrangement for custody.

FAQs About Child Custody in Chicago

“Excellent legal service provided in a professional and timely manner.”

All my questions answered and very friendly staff. Cost for service very reasonable. Highly recommended to you by me! Give her a call.
– Virginia

“Very professional, and caring.”

Helped me through a difficult divorce and made what I thought was going to be an impossible process so much easier. Everything was handled well, they listened to all my concerns, and responded in a timely manner. I would highly recommend using Johnson O’Keefe, they are amazing!
– Sonja

“Quick response to questions, making the line of communication superb.”

Johnson O’Keefe did and is doing an excellent job with my case. Thanks for all help and wish you all a great future.
– Mista

“Myles and Genet Johnson truly helped to make a stressful situation positive, understandable and manageable.”

They’re professional and supportive team work was beyond efficient and they got the job done in the least amount of time and with the least stress possible. They’re an amazing team to help with family needs and are always available to answer any questions or support. I would definitely recommend Myles and Genet Johnson for any family legal needs.
– M.A.

“My goals and the safety of my children were always the priority to the JOK team.”

I called Johnson Law Group extremely frustrated and stressed with the process of my custody case. From the consultation to every conversation after, Elizabeth went out of her way to make sure that i was comfortable with all the matters and decisions. I highly recommend Elizabeth and the whole Johnson O’Keefe team to anyone going through custody matters. Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Paola were amazing, and made me feel like i was a friend, not just a client. I would happily use them again if needed.
– Patricia

“Myles is genuine and professional, and I could not recommend him enough.”

Myles was excellent during my divorce and custody case. I had a very high-stress, and complicated situation, and not only was he efficient, but he kept me at ease throughout the entire process.
– Former Client

“Professional, caring, organized.”

Amazing law firm. They will represent your best interests! They communicate well with you and are straight forward with everything from rates to the legal process. Myles Johnson is a experienced, knowledgeable, well-versed in the laws as they pertain in each county throughout the State of Colorado. As a client, I highly recommend Johnson O’Keefe!!
– Caleb

“Myles was firm and consistent while being very professional with the opposition.”

Myles and his firm did an excellent job on my case. He helped me settle a financial dispute with my ex-wife concerning my retirement income. Myles was a good communicator and responded to questions and concerns promptly. I will definitely call him if I am ever in need of a lawyer.
– Rob
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Changing a Custody Order in Illinois

The family courts of Illinois recognize that life can easily present unexpected challenges at any time, sometimes influencing the terms and conditions of standing custody and support orders. If you have a child custody order in Chicago, it is essential to abide by its terms carefully at all times, but life could pose challenges that unexpectedly impair your ability to do so. Parents must use the appropriate channels when such things occur and request reasonable modifications to their family court orders. It’s possible to petition for a reasonable and necessary change to any standing family court order in Illinois. Instead of a complex appeal that challenges the legal basis of the original order, if you need a change to your custody agreement, you file a petition for modification to the Chicago family court. For example, if you suffered a catastrophic injury that caused a permanent disability, you could be unable to continue meeting your parental responsibilities. A modification request to reallocate custody would likely fall within the judge’s interpretation of your child’s best interests in this situation.

Whether you need legal counsel for an initial custody determination in Chicago or need to make changes to your current custody order, legal representation from an experienced Chicago child custody attorney is invaluable. 

When considering modifications, it’s crucial for parents to document all changes in circumstances comprehensively. Evidence such as medical records, employment documents, or relocation details are essential to substantiate a modification request. If the modification involves altering parental responsibilities or financial contributions, a detailed account of how these changes affect the child’s well-being will be critical. Additionally, open communication with the other parent, when possible, can be beneficial in achieving a smoother court process and demonstrating a cooperative approach to resolving disagreements. The involvement of a skilled attorney simplifies navigating these complexities and increases the likelihood of a favorable adjustment.

Contact Johnson O’Keefe today and schedule your free consultation to learn more about the legal services we provide to Chicago parents facing custody disputes.

Individualized Attention

Just as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.

Highly Recommended

Our clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.

Supportive Counsel

We never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.