Child Custody
Chicago Child Custody Lawyer
Allocation of Parental Responsibility, formerly Child Custody, is about parenting time and decision-making for your children in four major areas. The areas of decision-making are medical, education, religion, and extracurricular activities.
When facing a child custody case, finding the right legal representation is crucial for protecting your relationship with your child and ensuring their well-being. Christi Alexander understands that child custody decisions can be some of the most emotional and challenging litigation of family law. As an experienced child custody attorney in Chicago, she is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.
"If you are looking for an honest lawyer who genuinely has your children's best interests in mind, don’t hesitate. Hire Christi Christi helped me through a nasty 18 month long divorce. She guided me every step of the way with care and compassion. Her knowledge of the law is impeccable and she remembers you and so many details of your case."
"Lawyer with a HUGE Heart!!
Going through a divorce is hard. Especially when you have major health issues. Christi is not only a wonderful and talented lawyer, I consider her a wonderful friend. Christi goes above and beyond her legal duties. She genuinely cares about her clients as a whole. When looking for an family law attorney, look no further than Christi Alexander!!"
"Five stars isn’t enough!
I would recommend Christi Alexander to any mother going through a rough time with custody. She is very professional but also has a personal side that made everything easier/less stressful for me which is HUGE due to circumstances like this being so tough. She has only the best I treat for you, your child and family. Couldn’t thank her enough!"
Best Interests of the Child
In any custody case, the primary consideration is the best interests of the child. This standard considers various factors, including the child’s physical and psychological welfare, safety, and overall well-being. If issues like domestic violence, addiction, or mental health are involved, the court will assess how these impact the child’s future. We work to present a clear case that prioritizes your child’s needs while protecting your parental rights.
Common Child Custody Disputes
Child custody disputes often arise when parents cannot agree on key aspects of parenting plans or modifications. These disputes may include disagreements about visitation, child support, or allegations of abuse. Christi Alexander has vast experience handling high-conflict custody cases, including those involving co-parenting challenges, allegations of neglect, and substance abuse issues. Our team will advocate for a resolution protecting your child’s welfare.
Child Support and Visitation
Family law cases closely link child custody, support, and visitation. Custody orders dictate how much time each parent spends with the child, while support payments help cover the child's basic needs. We help families understand these connections and create time-sharing and visitation plans that reflect the child's best interests. Whether you are a custodial or non-custodial parent, we help ensure fair arrangements for all parties involved.
The Child’s Preference in Custody Decisions
As children grow older, their opinions can play a significant role in custody decisions. Illinois courts often consider a child’s preference when the child is mature enough to express a valid opinion. Factors like the child's age, living arrangements, and history of abuse or addiction within the household may influence the weight of their preference. We work closely with families to ensure the child’s voice is heard without compromising their best interests.
Choosing the Right Child Custody Lawyer
When selecting a child custody attorney, choosing someone with experience in family law and a deep understanding of local Chicago court systems is essential. Christi Alexander combines years of specialized knowledge in child custody law with a compassionate approach to help you feel confident throughout the legal process. From your initial consultation to resolving your case, we provide strategic guidance tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
Custody Agreements and Modifications
Once a custody agreement is in place, changes in circumstances—such as relocation, job loss, or concerns about a child’s safety—can require legal modifications. Whether you are seeking to modify an existing order or need help enforcing a broken agreement, we assist you in navigating the legal steps to secure the necessary changes. We specialize in creating clear, enforceable agreements that prioritize the stability and safety of your child.
Custody Mediation and Trials
Many custody cases are resolved through mediation, where parents work together to create a parenting plan. However, when disputes escalate, court intervention may become necessary. We assist families in mediation and trial settings, offering skilled representation to achieve favorable outcomes. Whether your case involves collaborative law or a courtroom trial, our goal is to secure a resolution that reflects your child's best interests.
Legal Rights of Fathers
In custody cases, fathers have equal rights to seek legal and physical custody of their children. Fathers are entitled to fair consideration under the law, whether married or unmarried. Christi is committed to advocating for fathers’ rights, helping them build strong cases to maintain a meaningful relationship with their children. We assist with paternity issues, parental rights, and navigating the complexities of custody disputes involving relocation or temporary custody orders.
Relocation and Child Custody
Relocation complicates child custody arrangements, especially when one parent seeks to move out of state or far from the other parent. These cases often require modifications to existing custody agreements. Christi Alexander is well-versed in Illinois relocation laws and helps you secure the necessary adjustments to protect your parental rights while considering the practical needs of your child.
Types of Child Custody
Child custody takes many forms, including legal, physical, joint, and sole custody. Each type of custody comes with different responsibilities and rights, and the decision depends on what is best for the child. Joint custody allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities, while sole custody grants one parent primary decision-making power. We help you navigate the nuances of these arrangements and advocate for the best outcome in your case.
Why Choose Christi Alexander?
-
Experienced Attorneys: Christi has years of experience in family law, including complex custody disputes and high-conflict cases. She leverages her expertise to ensure better outcomes for the children.
-
Personalized Attention: We tailor our legal strategies to meet your family's unique needs, ensuring that your child’s well-being is at the center of every decision.
-
Compassionate Guidance: Christi understands the emotional toll of custody battles and provides empathetic support. She aims to ease your stress and help you remain confident.
Contact Us Today
If you’re facing a child custody dispute, time is of the essence. Let our experienced child custody attorneys in Chicago help you protect your rights and secure the best outcome for your child. Contact Christi Alexander today at (815) 630-3317 or Schedule a Consultation to get started.