Sycamore Family Law Attorneys

Supportive Attorneys for Family Law Matters in Sycamore, Illinois

Every family may face unique hardships, and sometimes, overcoming those issues will require the help of a compassionate legal professional who understands what is at stake. Legal representation is especially important during divorces and when addressing issues related to child custody. If you are struggling with legal issues as a parent or spouse, a skilled family law attorney can advocate for your best interests and help you work towards an ideal outcome.

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, our lawyers will keep you informed of your rights, and if the situation calls for it, we are ready to stand in front of a judge on your behalf. Our team will take the time to understand your situation so that we can come up with an individualized solution that will meet your family's needs.

Child Custody and Visitation

In Illinois, the courts generally prefer to see both parents actively involved in the lives of their children after a divorce or separation. As such, a couple going through a divorce will have to draft a parenting plan that addresses physical and legal custody, which are known in Illinois as parenting time and decision-making responsibility, respectively.

The exact arrangement for parenting time does not have to be a 50/50 split between the parents. Depending on where the parents live, their work schedules, and other factors, splitting up time with the children equally may not be practical or feasible. Parents are encouraged to work out a schedule that allows them each to have a continuous and stable relationship with the child, no matter what form it may take.

Decision-making responsibility can fall to one or both parents. A comprehensive parenting plan will specify whether one parent or both parents will be responsible for making decisions regarding the child's schooling, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Parents will have to agree on how these decisions will be made, laying the groundwork for how future disputes will be resolved after the divorce.

Child Support

Most of the time, child support will be paid from one parent to another to ensure that children's ongoing needs and expenses will be fully addressed. The specific child support arrangements will depend on several factors, such as which parent takes care of the child for most of the year and the difference in income between the parents. When deciding how much support must be paid, the courts will follow the guidelines set down in Illinois law. Parents may also be required to divide certain expenses, such as the costs of child care and medical insurance for children.

In most cases, child support ends when the child turns 18 or upon their high school graduation, but it may be extended in cases of profound disability. One or both parents may also be ordered to help pay for the child's college education. Our attorneys can help parents make sure all issues related to child support will be addressed correctly.

Guardianships

Not all parents are equipped to take care of a child, and sometimes, it is best for a close family member or friend to assume legal guardianship and take custody of the child. In other cases, guardianship may be required for adults who are incapable of managing their own affairs due to age or disability.

Taking a guardianship claim to court can be a complex, emotionally-charged matter. In cases involving guardianship of minor children, the prospective guardian must demonstrate one or more of the following:

• The parents cannot take care of the child and are unwilling to do so.
• The parents relinquished all responsibility over the child.
• The parents agreed to the guardianship arrangement in writing.
• The parents did not object to guardianship after being given formal notice.

Ultimately, an agreement for minor guardianship must serve the child's best interests, with respect to the child's own wishes, their physical and mental health, their attachment to their community, and the guardian's ability to take care of the child. Our lawyers can provide representation in guardianship proceedings, working to ensure that the needs of a child or disabled adult will be properly addressed.

Meet With a Sycamore, IL Family Law Attorney

If your family is struggling with legal issues related to marriage, divorce, and/or child custody, or other family-related concerns, the devoted family law attorneys at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC are ready to help you. Call our Sycamore offices at 630-665-7300 or reach out to us online to set up a consultation and begin taking steps to address these issues correctly.