Representing Parents in Child Custody Cases
Child custody is one of the most high-stakes family law issues because it has a major impact on relationships between parents and children. If you are involved in a child custody case, it is important to have an experienced lawyer to guide you toward your goals.
At Watson & Linder in Springfield, Illinois, our knowledgeable family law attorneys will work one-on-one with you to pursue a positive outcome to your child custody case. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Sorting Out the Issues to Develop a Parenting Plan
Child custody determinations are made during the divorce process or when an unmarried parent pursues a court order for custody. These determinations include where the child will live and who will make important decisions such as those involving education and health care.
Our attorneys will help you negotiate or litigate a parenting plan with the goal of protecting your parental rights while adopting a schedule that works for you and your child.
Regardless of whether one parent gets sole custody or both parents get joint custody, the details of the parenting plan will spell out each parent's exact rights and obligations. For instance, even if one parent has sole custody, the other parent may get both visitation and decision-making rights.
If you and the other parent cannot agree on a visitation schedule or other aspects of the parenting plan, you will be required to attend a parenting class and attempt mediation before going to court. We are prepared to guide you through all stages of the process.
Modifying and Enforcing Child Custody Orders
Once a child custody order has been entered, any changes need to be made through a formal modification process. However, unless the child is in danger under the current parenting plan, you must wait two years to apply for a modification.
There are many reasons to modify a child custody order. For instance, one parent may get a new job, want to move away, or develop a substance abuse problem.
It is important to remember that both parents have to follow the current parenting plan until it has been modified by a court. If one parent is not respecting the child custody order, there are a number of ways of enforcing it.
Our firm helps parents pursue modification and enforcement of child custody orders. Contact us to discuss your options.
