Divorce & Child Issues ATTORNEYS
Elgin, IL Divorce Attorneys
It’s important to understand your legal rights when you’re beginning or responding to divorce proceedings. Having sound legal support goes a long way toward easing the emotional pain that can be part of the divorce experience. When you know what to expect, the stress of a divorce can be significantly less. At the Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo, we help our clients deal with all aspects of divorce such as distribution of property and allocation of parenting responsibilities.
When a spouse contests a divorce it can make the process much more complicated. Fortunately, our firm has a record of success in assisting our clients. With the Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo on your side, you’ll know your rights and make the best decisions on:
- Division of property and debt
- How divorce impacts an estate plan
- Parenting time, responsibility, and relocation
- Maintenance award and duration
- Guardianship and adoption
We’re devoted to providing the most effective way to handling your legal concerns. We’re effective litigators but we also offer skilled mediation services as an alternate way to resolving family conflicts. Based on the circumstances, mediation may actually be a better option for settling on the terms of your divorce. As we evaluate during the early stages of your family law issue, we’ll recommend the option that’s the best solution for you.
Best Interests of Children in Divorce
There are quite a few things to consider when allocating parenting time. In any case, you’ll want to make sure that your child’s interests are fully protected. To this end, we’ll help you evaluate:
- -The impact a move may have on a child.
- -Educational and social opportunities.
- -The physical, mental and financial well-being of both parents.
- -The time both parents can dedicate to child care.
Contact our offices today at 847-628-8311 and schedule a consultation with us.
Some Basic Information About Child Custody and Divorce
The state of Illinois identifies two fundamental kinds of child custody: joint custody and sole custody.
Joint custody allows for involvement from both parents in the lives of their children. The main benefit is that despite the differences between the parents, priority is placed on the child’s well-being. However, in some cases joint custody can be a source of disagreement. Consequently, it takes a positive effort from both parents to make the arrangement successful. With sole custody, one parent has physical and legal custody of the child. The other parent might have visitation rights but no custodial or major decision making capabilities.
A common misunderstanding with respect to joint custody is that it means equivalent parenting time. In fact, parenting time for the non-custodial parent is generally the same in either joint or sole custody arrangements. Another misconception is that joint custody can prevent the custodial parent from relocating with the children out of state. A custodial parent is not permitted to do so without agreement from the other parent or a court order. This is regardless of whether the parent who wants to move has joint or sole custody. Essentially, courts can only award joint custody if such an arrangement serves the best interests of the children at issue.
Contact Trusted Family Law Divorce Attorneys Today
If you would like to work with a Chicago family law divorce attorney, please contact our firm by calling 847-628-8311 to set up an initial appointment.
We look forward to helping you reach a workable resolution pertaining to divorce, legal separation, or any matter regarding the best interests of your children.
We proudly serve the Chicago area, including Elgin, Rolling Meadows, Barrington, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Hoffman Estates, South Elgin, Lake In the Hills, Kane County, Cook County, and surrounding areas.
If you would like to speak with an experienced lawyer about child custody issues, please contact the Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo at 847-628-8311.
In the state of Illinois judges consider the following matters when determining custodial arrangements:
- -What kind of custody the parents want
- -The wishes of the child
- -The interaction and relationships between the child, parents, siblings and other persons who may possibly affect the child’s best interest
- -The child’s relationship with his home, school and community
- -The physical and mental wellness of all involved
- -If there is physical violence or risk of physical violence by the child’s potential custodian
- -The readiness and ability of each parent to have a close, supportive relationship with the other parent and the child
We look forward to helping you achieve a positive resolution that serves the best interests of your children. Attorney Scifo has over ten years of experience helping families through transitional times. Call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our firm today.
Besides child custody and guardianship, our law practice areas include probate, estate planning and elder law.