Child Custody and Visitation

Child Custody
Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody is always determined in the “best interests of a child”.

In a divorce with children, the biggest challenge is how to minimize the negative effects on your children.  We encourage both parties to be reasonable. Take a step back from your own personal emotions. Seek counseling if necessary. Work together, not separately, at developing a working parenting plan for your children. Many, if not all, custody disputes can be settled outside of the courtroom.

The First Custody Dispute

Custody disputes go as far back as the Bible.  King Solomon had to rule on one.  He ordered the child cut in half, or 50-50.  One mother agreed this was fair, the other begged no – give to the child to the other!  He awarded it to the mom who begged to give.

Custody and visitation law has changed and developed over the years.  In 2016, the State of Illinois completely eliminated the words “custody” and “visitation” in their family laws.  Instead, the Court focuses on assignments of “parental responsibilities” and “parenting time”.

When you hire us to help you with your custody disputes, we will help you create a parenting plan, which will focus on the needs of your children.  In some cases, we will call upon the help of a mental health professional, who is trained at child development.  Our firm does not view “custody” as a win-lose situation.  Rather, when divorces and separations occur, we focus on a solution which will better the children.  If you are caught in a custody battle, I urge you to seek counseling.  Unlike property – a couch or a bank account, children CANNOT be divided in half.  I encourage you to read a wise custody Judge’s 200 blunt words for divorcing parents below:

@lawyerkelly Important message to divorcing parents. #divorcedparents #divorcelawyer #divorceattorney #jointcustody #coparenting #familylaw #StrictlyCurls ♬ original sound – Lawyer Kelly


If unfortunately you cannot reach a solution, you will end up in court. The court will decide your case on a case-by-case basis, in the “best interests of your children”. You, or the court may decide to utilize the services of a child custody evaluator. This process is lengthy and very costly.  If you find yourself dealing with unreasonable parent on the other side, this will be the most unfortunate path to take.  In this case, we will help you navigate the child custody maze.

Mediation is Mandatory For Custody Issues

Before the Judge will hear your case, you will need to go to Conciliation Court. There, a trained mediator will hear your case, and attempt to reach solution one last time before the court hearing. In Los Angeles, an appointment is free, and can be scheduled by calling (213) 974-5524, or any number on this Facilitator Location List.

RESOURCES


If you have any further questions or need additional information about Child Custody and Visitation or other services, please do not hesitate to email office@purposedrivenlawyers.com or call (626) 765-5767.