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 know parents’ emotional challenges and procedural obligations in these cases and do everything we can to help our clients approach these disputes with peace of mind.
Our Attorneys Meet Your Legal Team
At Johnson O'Keefe, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
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 allocating parenting time and assigning 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.
You need an experienced Chicago child custody attorney who can help you gather any documentation you must produce for the court, prepare you for each courtroom session in front of a Chicago family court judge, and address any unforeseen complications that arise during your case. Johnson O’Keefe has helped many parents approach their custody determinations with greater confidence, helping them understand the specific legal mechanisms in play and helping them develop solid claims for custody.
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I wasn’t familiar with the process of child custody but I must say not only did Myles and his team direct me properly but it was a process that wasn’t money motivated. Very professional group, I was constantly informed of any step or move needed to be made. When you have someone in your corner that understands the importance of family it makes the situation a ton easier, thank you Myles and Johnson group for everything!- Dwight
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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
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Everyone was fast to return calls or emails. They explained everything thoroughly and so that I could understand the process. They worked with me every step of the way. I would highly recommend Johnson O'Keefe and if needed would go with them again. Thank you so much.- Robin
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I was in a very difficult custody/child support dispute with my ex-spouse. Working with her was such a wonderful experience, kept our goals at the top of every conversation, knew all points and avenues that we could take, never lead us in the wrong direction They worked tirelessly on my case and the outcome was exactly what I expected! I would recommend this firm to anyone who is going through a family law issue.- Liz
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All my questions answered and very friendly staff. Cost for service very reasonable. Highly recommended to you by me! Give her a call.- Virginia
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Johnson O'Keefe has the greatest Attorneys and staff in Colorado State. I recommend every family to choose this Law Firm. Attorney Genet Johnson and Myles Johnson has profound knowledge of the Law, and they can help individuals to have balance, peace of mind, avoid issues, assist with problems, work on important aspects of communication/listening, each solution carefully crafted, negotiate, prompted responding, support their clients, manage day to day operations, efficient, professional, prepare in a timely matter, reliable, trust worthy, explain everything before proceeding, dedicated, and patience.- Cierra
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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
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I worked with Elizabeth and she did way more for me than I thought possible. I was in a bad situation when I came in. She took my case then proceeded to go above and beyond until the very end. With them working my case my stress about the whole thing was pretty much gone.- Nick D.
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 very suddenly 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.
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.
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Individualized AttentionJust 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.
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Highly RecommendedOur 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.
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Supportive CounselWe 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.
