THE ONLY LAW FIRM
You'll Ever Need

Caring Attorneys Guiding You Through The Child Custody Process

For obvious reasons, decisions about child custody are usually the most stressful aspect of a divorce. The attorneys at Neubauer, Johnston & Hudson, P.C., understand how difficult this process can be, and we are ready to guide you through it from start to finish. We have the skill and knowledge to strongly advocate for both you and your children, and we have the experience to know how judges tend to rule in these types of cases.

How It Works: A Basic Overview

In Illinois, there are two types of custody. The first is legal custody, also known as parental responsibilities. This is essentially decision-making authority over major aspects of your child’s life (like education, religion and health care). It’s common for divorced parents to share legal custody.

The second type is physical custody, also known as parenting time. This is the schedule of which parent the children are with at any given time. Parenting time can be allocated in a wide variety of ways, from one parent having sole custody to both parents sharing physical custody equally. A judge may also decide that one parent will have the vast majority of parenting time while the other parent will have a smaller fraction. It is very case-specific. In every child custody matter, however, judges are required to make decisions based on the best interests of the child.

Knowing What To Expect And Combatting Misinformation

Child custody matters are more stressful than they need to be when a parent is operating based on misinformation. Unfortunately, there is a lot of it out there. First, it is important to remember that each family is unique, and each case is judged on its own merits. You may know someone whose custody case turned out a certain way, but that doesn’t mean you can expect the same outcome.

Second, it’s good to keep in mind that while sole custody is certainly a possibility, it is not the norm. Some parents believe that if they have taken certain specific actions, they will automatically be given full custody. Things don’t really work that way. The truth is that unless your ex-spouse is deemed a danger to your child, he or she will likely get at least some parenting time.

Finally, the best way to control the outcome of your custody matter is to negotiate with your co-parent. Judges prefer a parenting plan that was created by the parents in collaboration with one another. As long as it meets the best interests of the children, a judge is likely to approve it. This is only possible, of course, if your co-parent is willing to negotiate in good faith. If not, our attorneys are ready to litigate the matter and vigorously advocate for you and your kids.

Discuss Your Options During A Free Initial Consultation

Neubauer, Johnston & Hudson, P.C., has office in Fairview Heights, Illinois, and we serve clients throughout the Metro East area. We not only work in these communities, but we also live here. We are truly local attorneys serving friends and neighbors, and we are proud to receive so many word-of-mouth referrals from former clients.

To take advantage of a free initial consultation about your custody matter, call us at 618-632-5588, or fill out our online contact form.