Lessons Learned From a Arlington Heights Child Custody Case

The details of this story have been altered to protect attorney-client privilege. It serves to illustrate the types of cases Attorney Ryan Shope handles, not the specifics of an individual legal matter. For privacy reasons, we never discuss case outcomes.

Jill is a 41-year old mother of one living in Arlington Heights, IL. After over a decade of marriage, she and her husband have made the difficult decision to separate. While the details leading to their split are deeply personal, Jill’s primary concern now is obtaining primary custody of her 13-year old daughter, Emma.

As a veterinarian running her own busy practice, Jill’s days are packed with appointments, procedures, and patient emergencies. She loves the satisfaction that comes from helping heal sick animals, but her focus is split between work and meeting Emma’s needs. Her husband’s job as a software engineer often has him traveling frequently, leaving Jill as the primary caregiver.

Now, as they move toward divorce, Jill worries what will happen if her husband seeks joint custody. He has threatened to pursue this course to reduce spousal support obligations. Jill feels Emma’s best interests would be living with her full-time, given the close relationship they share and her role as the day-to-day caregiver. The thought of only having partial custody weighs heavily on her mind.

That’s when Jill started researching Arlington Heights child custody lawyers and found a knowledgeable family law attorney near her. Having practiced family law for over a decade in Cook County and its local jurisdictions, Attorney Ryan Shope understands the complexities these cases entail. Her background includes serving as an advocate for victims’ rights, shaping her skill as a compassionate supporter for clients like Jill.

In their initial consultation, Attorney Ryan Shope listened closely as Jill described her situation—her history with her husband, her concerns about Emma’s wellbeing, and her hope of obtaining primary custody. Attorney Ryan Shope outlined what Jill could expect during the court proceedings, providing a sense of security during this uncertain time.

Unlike other attorneys who may take a client’s money and rush them through a case, the attorneys at Sterling Lawyers make it a priority to truly understand the client’s needs and goals. She knows that matters like divorce and child custody are deeply personal, often involving high emotions and vulnerability. By building a relationship of trust with Jill, Attorney Ryan empowers her to make the best choices for her daughter.

Having practiced family law in Cook County for many years, Attorney Ryan Shope is extremely knowledgeable about the local court system and procedures. To obtain primary custody, there is a multi-step legal process that must be carefully followed. Knowing these protocols inside and out helps Attorney Ryan advance Jill’s case efficiently and effectively.

The first step was to file paperwork initiating the custody case in the Cook County Circuit Court Domestic Relations Division. Here, Attorney Ryan Shope’s familiarity with the court’s forms and technical requirements ensured everything was filled out accurately. Jill was relieved to have Attorney Shope’s knowledge guiding her through the initial paperwork.

Next, they had to participate in a mediation session with Jill’s husband and his attorney to see if custody issues could be settled without a trial. When no agreement was reached, the case proceeded to the discovery phase. A skilled attirbet helped Jill respond to interrogatories and document requests from her husband’s lawyer intended to build their case against her.

Attorney Ryan Shope also conducted further discovery and investigation to support Jill’s bid for primary custody. This included deposing Jill’s husband and subpoenaing school and medical records related to Emma’s care. Jill was glad to have an attorney well-versed with these procedures, as the legal specifics of requests, depositions, and subpoenas can be confusing and feel threatening without knowledgeable guidance.

As the custody trial date approached, Jill's attorney continued putting in long hours preparing her case. She crafted persuasive arguments as to why awarding primary custody to Jill would serve Emma’s best interests. She also coached Jill on what to expect during her testimony, helping her feel confident and prepared.

If you find yourself in a custody conflict requiring legal assistance, consider connecting with Attorney Ryan Shope. Having her knowledge involved from the outset can relieve your stress and empower you during the court process. Contact her office in Arlington Heights today to schedule a consultation. With an adept family law attorney on your side, you and your children will have the greatest chance of a positive outcome.

The details of this story have been altered to protect attorney-client privilege. It serves to illustrate the types of cases our attorneys handle, not the specifics of an individual legal matter. For privacy reasons, we never discuss case outcomes.