Understanding Your Options for Child Custody in Chicago

The names, details, and scenarios in this article have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved. The story is provided for educational purposes to illustrate the types of legal matters our Chicago child custody lawyers handle. For confidentiality reasons, we do not disclose the outcome of our cases.

Derek is a 40-year-old software engineer living in Aurora, Illinois. After separating from his spouse, who subsequently moved out of state, he is now facing a challenging child custody dispute over his 6-year-old child. With extremely limited and restrictive access to his child, Derek is concerned about their wellbeing and wants to secure a fair custody agreement. He has turned to experienced Attorney Ellen Rhodeman of Chicago, IL to help him navigate the complicated legal procedures in Cook County family court.

Derek and his now ex-spouse were married for over 10 years before ultimately separating. Though the relationship had its ups and downs, Derek never imagined they would end up divorced. He cherished the family they had built together and all the milestones they had achieved as a couple.

As a father, Derek's top priority has always been providing his child with a stable, nurturing home. He took pride in being an involved parent, spending quality time with his kid every day after work and on weekends. Whether playing games, reading stories, or going on outings, he cherished their special bond. However, after the separation, Derek felt his world crumbling. His ex-spouse wanted to move out of state and limit his custody to mere hours per week. This restrictive arrangement has taken a major toll on Derek's relationship with his child. He desperately wants to restore the closeness they once shared but feels powerless against the court system and unable to even see his child regularly.

Derek has tried repeatedly to increase his visitation, but his ex-spouse refuses to budge. He is only permitted to see his kid for a few hours on Sunday afternoons at a court supervised location. It breaks his heart to have so little time to engage in all the small moments that build a parental connection.

On top of Derek's busy work schedule, the complicated legal matters surrounding custody feel impossible to grasp. The geographic distance separating him from his child adds further complexity. Derek worries constantly about his child's happiness and emotional wellbeing during this turbulent time. He feels anxious, depressed and helpless. All he wants is the chance to provide his kid with love, support and stability.

Attorney Ellen Rhodeman recognizes how emotionally devastating custody disputes can be for her clients. With deep compassion and understanding of family law, she guides Derek through the convoluted Cook County family court process. She understands the urgency of restoring normalcy and joy to the child's life.

As an experienced litigator well-versed in local family court rules, Attorney Rhodeman works diligently to secure fair custody arrangements for Derek. She comprehends the complex child custody statutes and case law precedents that apply. Attorney Rhodeman also draws upon her extensive trial experience to build the strongest case possible. For example, she once successfully argued for a modification increasing a client's custody from 10 hours a week to 50/50 shared custody. Her exhaustive preparation and fierce courtroom advocacy help ensure Derek's parental rights are protected.

Here are the key steps Attorney Rhodeman follows when handling child custody cases in Cook County:

1. Review the case details and priorities with the client
2. Obtain all relevant documents pertaining to the custody matter
3. File motions and orders to establish custody and parenting time
4. Represent client in mediation sessions with ex-spouse to negotiate custody terms
5. If necessary, issue subpoenas and conduct discovery to uncover facts
6. Research case law precedents for child custody in Cook County
7. Prepare witnesses and evidence for trial
8. Appear in court hearings arguing for a favorable custody arrangement
9. Negotiate modifications to custody orders when circumstances change

Having a knowledgeable guide through the convoluted system makes all the difference compared to handling it alone without legal counsel. Attorney Rhodeman helps avoid procedural mistakes that could severely undermine the case. Her knowledge strengthens the legal position and gets optimal results.

With over one million divorces annually in America, custody disputes have become commonplace. However, without proper legal guidance, navigating the confusing bureaucracy and rules by yourself can jeopardize the outcome. An experienced family law attorney understands how to work within the local court system to protect your parental rights and achieve a fair custody agreement. Attorney Ellen Rhodeman has the compassion, knowledge and dedication to provide exceptional legal representation. Don't leave your child's wellbeing to chance. Call Sterling Lawyers today to schedule a consultation and learn how they can assist with your child custody case.

The names, details, and scenarios in this article have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved. The story is provided for educational purposes to illustrate the types of legal matters our attorneys handle. For confidentiality reasons, we do not disclose the outcome of our cases.