When facing child custody matters in Chicago, finding the right legal representation is crucial.
As a mother, you want an attorney who understands the unique challenges you may encounter and can advocate effectively for your rights and your child’s best interests.
The legal landscape surrounding custody issues can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and experience.
Chicago child custody lawyers with expertise in mothers’ rights can provide tailored guidance and strong representation throughout your case. These professionals are well-versed in Illinois family law and can help you navigate the court system, negotiate fair agreements, and present compelling arguments to support your position.
By choosing a skilled attorney, you improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome that protects your relationship with your child and ensures their wellbeing.
1) Anderson & Boback
Anderson & Boback is a highly respected family law firm in Chicago specializing in complex child custody cases.
Their team of experienced attorneys is known for their professionalism and dedication to helping mothers navigate the intricacies of Illinois custody laws.
The firm’s partners, Kimberly Anderson and Janice Boback, are recognized among the best divorce lawyers in Chicago.
Their expertise extends to various aspects of family law, ensuring comprehensive support for your case.
When you choose Anderson & Boback, you gain access to attorneys who are often called upon by courts to serve as child representatives in complex cases throughout Chicago and Cook County.
This speaks volumes about their reputation and expertise in child-related legal matters.
The firm offers personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.
They understand that each case is unique and requires a customized approach to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.
With multiple offices in Northbrook and downtown Chicago, Anderson & Boback makes it convenient for you to schedule appointments.
Their locations ensure easy access to quality legal representation, regardless of where you reside in the Chicago area.
Anderson & Boback’s attorneys are skilled in both negotiation and litigation.
This versatility allows them to pursue the most appropriate strategy for your case, whether that involves reaching an amicable agreement or fighting for your rights in court.
2) Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group
Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group stands out as a premier choice for mothers seeking child custody representation in Chicago.
This firm specializes in protecting the rights of women and mothers during legal proceedings.
Their attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of child custody cases.
They understand the unique challenges you may face as a mother in the Chicago legal system.
The firm’s focus on women’s and mothers’ rights sets them apart.
You can expect personalized attention and strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Their experience extends to various aspects of child custody, including visitation rights and child support.
The lawyers at Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you and your children.
When you work with this firm, you benefit from their deep understanding of family law in Illinois.
They strive to ensure that custody arrangements prioritize your children’s well-being while protecting your parental rights.
The attorneys at Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group offer professional legal representation coupled with compassionate support.
They recognize the emotional challenges of custody battles and provide guidance throughout the process.
You can trust their expertise to navigate complex custody issues.
Whether you’re dealing with initial custody determinations or seeking modifications, their team is equipped to advocate for your interests.
3) Moskowitz Law Group
The Moskowitz Law Group stands out as a family law firm that prioritizes mothers’ rights in child custody cases.
With offices in Hackensack and Morristown, they cover a wide range of family law matters throughout Chicago.
Their team includes Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys, a designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court.
This certification demonstrates their extensive experience, education, and skill in matrimonial law practice.
You can expect comprehensive representation in various aspects of family law.
The firm handles divorce, child custody, child support, relocation, alimony, and equitable distribution cases.
Moskowitz Law Group also tackles complex business valuation and high net worth cases.
This expertise can be particularly valuable if your custody case involves significant financial considerations.
The firm’s approach focuses on advocating for the child’s best interests while ensuring fair treatment for mothers.
They strive to help you obtain custody or visitation rights that reflect your parental role.
Their attorneys work diligently to secure adequate child support arrangements.
This financial aspect is crucial for maintaining your child’s quality of life post-divorce or separation.
By choosing Moskowitz Law Group, you gain access to a team dedicated to protecting mothers’ rights in custody battles.
Their professional approach and specialized knowledge make them a strong ally in your fight for fair custody arrangements.
4) Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd.
The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. is a prominent family law firm in Chicago.
While they primarily focus on fathers’ rights, their expertise extends to all aspects of family law.
You might find their services beneficial if you’re seeking experienced representation in your child custody case.
The firm has a track record of achieving significant victories for parents in complex custody disputes.
Jeffery M. Leving, the founder and president, has extensive experience in matrimonial and family law.
His firm has worked to challenge traditional custody presumptions, which could be advantageous in your case.
The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd. offers initial consultations to discuss your specific situation.
You can reach out to them to explore how their experience might apply to your custody case.
Their attorneys understand the emotional stress involved in family law disputes.
They strive to provide support and guidance throughout the legal process.
While their primary focus is on fathers’ rights, their comprehensive knowledge of family law can be valuable for any parent navigating custody issues.
You may want to consider their expertise when choosing legal representation for your case.
5) Petrelli Previtera
Petrelli Previtera, LLC is a reputable family law firm with offices in Chicago.
They specialize in various aspects of family law, including child custody cases.
The firm’s attorneys have extensive experience handling complex child custody disputes.
They understand the unique challenges mothers face in these situations and work diligently to protect your rights and interests.
Petrelli Previtera offers flexible meeting times and accessibility to ensure a convenient process for their clients.
You can schedule an online consultation or visit their Chicago office located in Two Prudential Plaza.
Their team of dedicated Illinois family law attorneys is committed to helping you maintain a strong relationship with your child.
They recognize the importance of this bond and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.
You can reach out to Petrelli Previtera for a confidential legal consultation to discuss your specific case.
Their experienced lawyers will guide you through the intricacies of Illinois child custody laws and help you navigate the legal process.
The firm’s approach is client-focused, ensuring that you receive personalized attention and support throughout your custody case.
They aim to provide clear communication and strategic legal representation to address your unique needs.
6) Boyle Feinberg Sharma
Boyle Feinberg Sharma is a prominent family law firm in Chicago that specializes in divorce and child custody cases.
The firm was formed by experienced attorneys Janet Boyle, Joy Feinberg, and Molshree “Molly” Sharma.
This team of skilled lawyers brings a wealth of experience to child custody matters.
They understand the unique challenges mothers face in custody disputes and work diligently to protect your rights and interests.
Boyle Feinberg Sharma offers a range of services related to child custody.
These include negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, collaboration, and litigation when necessary.
Their approach is tailored to your specific situation.
The firm has offices in both the Chicago Loop and Arlington Heights, making it convenient for clients throughout the area.
You can expect personalized attention and strategic guidance throughout your custody case.
With their focus on family law, Boyle Feinberg Sharma stays up-to-date on the latest legal developments affecting child custody in Illinois.
This knowledge allows them to provide you with informed advice and effective representation.
If you’re seeking a child custody lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases, Boyle Feinberg Sharma may be an excellent choice.
Their team is dedicated to helping mothers navigate the legal system and achieve favorable outcomes for their families.
7) Katz & Stefani, LLC
Katz & Stefani, LLC is a renowned law firm in Chicago specializing in family law matters, including child custody cases.
You can trust their team of experienced attorneys to provide high-quality representation for mothers seeking custody arrangements.
The firm’s lawyers have extensive experience handling complex custody disputes.
They understand the nuances of Illinois custody laws and can guide you through the legal process with expertise and compassion.
Katz & Stefani’s attorneys are well-versed in high-profile, high-stakes cases.
This expertise can be particularly valuable if you’re facing a challenging custody battle or have unique circumstances that require specialized knowledge.
The firm has received recognition for its exceptional legal services.
Several of their lawyers have been named Best Lawyers by U.S. News & World Report, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in family law.
At Katz & Stefani, you’ll find attorneys who are members of prestigious legal associations, including the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.
This involvement keeps them updated on the latest developments in family law.
The firm offers free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and understand how they can help.
You can reach out to them at (312) 364-9000 to schedule an appointment and explore your options for child custody representation.
8) Beermann LLP
Beermann LLP is a prominent family law firm in Chicago that can assist mothers with child custody cases.
They have over 60 years of experience and established themselves as a go-to option for divorce and family law matters.
The firm boasts a team of over 40 top-tier lawyers who are dedicated to advocating for their clients’ rights.
They strive to help families move forward with dignity and financial security.
Beermann LLP offers zealous representation in child custody disputes.
Their attorneys understand the complexities of parental rights and work diligently to protect your interests as a mother.
You can expect empathetic and realistic guidance throughout the legal process.
The firm’s lawyers aim to achieve outcomes that best fit your family’s unique circumstances.
Beermann LLP’s attorneys are known for their prompt updates and thorough understanding of parental laws.
This level of communication and expertise can be crucial when navigating a custody case.
The firm’s founding partner, Miles N. Beermann, emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and always walking down the right side of the road in legal practice.
This philosophy underscores the firm’s commitment to integrity.
If you’re seeking a child custody lawyer in Chicago, Beermann LLP’s extensive experience and dedicated team make them a strong contender to consider for your case.
9) The Walters Law Group, Ltd.
The Walters Law Group, Ltd. is a reputable law firm serving Chicago and its surrounding areas.
They specialize in family law matters, including child custody cases for mothers.
Attorney Todd Walters leads the firm with nearly two decades of legal experience.
His practice focuses on protecting the rights and responsibilities of parents going through divorce.
You can expect personalized attention when working with The Walters Law Group.
They understand that each family’s situation is unique and requires tailored legal strategies.
The firm has offices in both downtown Chicago and Palos Park, making it convenient for clients across the Chicagoland area.
Their attorneys serve Cook, Will, DuPage, and Lake Counties.
If you’re seeking legal representation for child custody matters, The Walters Law Group offers free consultations.
You can discuss your case and learn about your options without obligation.
Their team is committed to helping mothers navigate the complexities of child custody disputes.
They strive to achieve favorable outcomes that prioritize the best interests of your children.
You can reach The Walters Law Group by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
Their experience in family law and dedication to client service make them a solid choice for mothers facing custody battles in Chicago.
10) Goldberg Law Group LLC
Goldberg Law Group specializes in family law matters, including child custody cases for mothers in Chicago.
Their experienced attorneys understand the complexities of custody disputes and work to protect your rights as a parent.
The firm offers skilled legal assistance with various aspects of child-related matters.
This includes child support calculations, custody arrangements, and visitation schedules.
Their goal is to ensure your child’s best interests are prioritized throughout the legal process.
Goldberg Law Group’s attorneys have extensive experience representing mothers in custody cases.
They strive to secure fair and favorable outcomes for you and your children.
Their team is well-versed in Illinois family law and can guide you through the intricacies of the legal system.
The firm also provides representation for grandparents seeking visitation rights.
If you’re a grandmother fighting for access to your grandchildren, Goldberg Law Group can help you navigate this challenging area of family law.
You can reach out to Michael K. Goldberg at 312-930-5600 to discuss your case.
The firm offers consultations to assess your situation and provide tailored legal advice.
Their office is conveniently located in downtown Chicago, making it accessible for clients throughout the city.
Understanding Child Custody Laws in Illinois
Illinois child custody laws prioritize the best interests of the child.
The state uses specific terminology and considers various factors when determining custody arrangements.
Overview of Illinois Custody Laws
In Illinois, child custody is referred to as “allocation of parental responsibilities”.
This term encompasses decision-making authority and parenting time.
The law aims to ensure children maintain strong relationships with both parents when possible.
Illinois courts encourage parents to create a parenting plan together.
If parents can’t agree, the court will make decisions based on the child’s best interests.
The state recognizes that children benefit from having both parents involved in their lives.
As such, judges often favor arrangements that allow substantial time with each parent.
Types of Custody Arrangements
Illinois recognizes several custody arrangements:
- Joint custody: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities
- Sole custody: One parent has primary decision-making authority
- Split custody: Different children live primarily with different parents
- Bird’s nest custody: Children remain in the family home while parents alternate staying there
Parenting time can be equally shared or primarily allocated to one parent with visitation for the other.
The 50/50 parenting schedule is common, with variations like alternating weeks or 2-2-5-5 schedules.
Factors Influencing Custody Decisions
Illinois courts consider numerous factors when determining custody:
- Child’s wishes (if mature enough)
- Parents’ wishes
- Child’s relationship with each parent and siblings
- Child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- Mental and physical health of all parties
- History of domestic violence or abuse
- Parents’ ability to cooperate in decision-making
- Distance between parents’ homes
- Each parent’s willingness to facilitate a relationship with the other parent
The court may also consider the child’s daily schedule, each parent’s work schedule, and any special needs the child may have.
These factors help ensure the custody arrangement truly serves the child’s best interests.
How to Choose the Best Child Custody Lawyer
Selecting the right child custody lawyer is crucial for protecting your parental rights and ensuring the best outcome for your children.
A skilled attorney can navigate complex legal processes and advocate effectively on your behalf.
Evaluating Experience and Expertise
Look for a lawyer with extensive experience in child custody cases.
Prioritize attorneys who specialize in family law and have a proven track record of success in custody disputes.
Consider their knowledge of local family courts and judges.
Ask about their approach to custody cases.
Do they favor negotiation or litigation? Ensure their strategy aligns with your goals.
Verify their credentials and any specialized certifications in family law.
A lawyer’s expertise in child custody matters can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Checking References and Reviews
Request references from past clients with similar cases.
Contact these references to learn about their experiences.
Read online reviews and testimonials, but approach them critically.
Look for patterns in feedback rather than focusing on isolated comments.
Check the lawyer’s standing with the state bar association.
Ensure there are no disciplinary actions or complaints against them.
Consider the lawyer’s reputation among peers in the legal community.
A well-respected attorney may have better working relationships with judges and opposing counsel.
Initial Consultation: What to Expect
Schedule consultations with potential child custody lawyers.
Many offer free or low-cost initial meetings.
Prepare a list of questions about their experience, strategy, and fees.
Ask about their availability and communication style.
During the consultation, assess the lawyer’s listening skills and how well they understand your situation.
They should explain legal concepts clearly and outline potential strategies for your case.
Discuss fees and billing practices upfront.
Understand their retainer requirements and hourly rates.
Ask about potential additional costs like expert witnesses or court fees.
Trust your instincts.
Choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with and confident in their abilities to represent you effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Child custody cases in Illinois involve complex legal considerations for mothers.
Understanding key rights, factors courts evaluate, and potential costs can help navigate the process.
What are a mother’s rights in child custody in Illinois?
Mothers in Illinois have equal rights to fathers in child custody cases.
You have the right to seek parental responsibilities and parenting time with your child.
Courts aim to ensure the best interests of the child are met.
How can a mother obtain full custody of her child in Illinois?
To obtain full custody, you must demonstrate it’s in the child’s best interests.
This may involve proving the other parent is unfit or unable to care for the child.
You’ll need to present evidence and potentially undergo evaluations.
What factors do courts consider when awarding custody to mothers in Chicago?
Chicago courts consider various factors, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and the child’s adjustment to home and school.
Your ability to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent is also important.
What is the average cost for a child custody lawyer in Illinois?
Costs for child custody lawyers in Illinois vary widely.
You might expect to pay between $3,000 and $20,000 or more, depending on case complexity.
Some lawyers offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation.
How can a mother lose custody of her child under Illinois law?
A mother can lose custody if she’s deemed unfit due to abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or inability to care for the child.
Violating court orders or interfering with the other parent’s relationship with the child can also jeopardize custody.
What types of child custody arrangements are most expensive?
The most expensive types of child custody arrangements are contested custody battles.
These cases tend to involve multiple experts, extensive litigation, or complex issues like relocation or allegations of abuse.
As a result, they can significantly increase costs.
In contrast, mediation or collaborative approaches may be less costly.