Geneva Child Custody Attorneys

Supportive Child Custody Lawyers Assisting Clients in Geneva, IL

Divorce can be an emotionally difficult experience for spouses and children alike. For many Illinois residents who are thinking about divorce, child custody matters often are among the most contentious. Whether you have questions about different types of custody or have concerns about how the court will make its custody determination, we can assist you. At Serrano Hanson & Hurtado, LLC, we have extensive experience handling many different types of family law issues, and we understand the nuances involved in a complex child custody case.

When you are going through a divorce and have concerns about child custody, it is extremely important to have a dedicated, responsible advocate on your side. The Kane County child custody attorneys at Serrano Hanson & Hurtado, LLC are committed to providing personalized representation for each client and addressing the particular facts involved in your case.

Understanding Child Custody in Kane County

At Serrano Hanson & Hurtado, LLC, we want our clients to know that they have an experienced family law advocate who is committed to helping parents with all of their child custody questions. If you are thinking about filing for divorce and will need to deal with child custody issues, it is important to have an idea of how Illinois courts determine custody.

In our state, Illinois courts make custody decisions based upon what is in the best interest of the child. "Best interests" can entail many different factors, ranging from the child's adjustment to his or her home, each parent's fitness to look after the child, and the child's own wishes regarding custody. In any case, both parents are entitled to reasonable parenting time unless the child would be put at risk when staying with either parent. Two types of custody exist:

• Sole custody; and
• Joint custody.

It is important for parents to understand that custody does not simply refer to the amount of time that each parent spends with the child. Rather, the difference between sole and joint custody is a matter of decision making: with sole custody, only one parent makes the major decisions related to the child, and with joint custody, both parents make the major decisions related to the child. What kinds of decisions need to be made? For example:

• Where the child attends school;
• Where the child receives medical, dental, and/or psychiatric care;
• What kinds of medical, dental, and/or psychiatric care the child will receive; and
• Whether the child attends a place of worship, and if so, what religion the child will practice.

Remember, Illinois courts usually will award joint custody only in situations where the parents have made clear that they will be able to cooperate in matters concerning their children. In cases of joint custody, both parents must be involved in major decisions related to the child. In other words, one parent cannot make a significant decision concerning the child without consulting with the other parent.

When parents have joint custody, the court will also determine how parenting time will be divided between the parents. Children may live primarily with one parent and spend time with the other parent, or they may divide time between parents equally. To be sure, custody is about decision making for the child, and in most cases, parents will be able to share the responsibility of making important decisions. A child custody attorney can speak up for you in negotiations so that your rights as a parent are not ignored.

Contact Our Geneva, Illinois Child Custody Lawyers

At Serrano Hanson & Hurtado, LLC, our family law team knows that child custody issues can be complicated. With years of experience advocating for clients in a variety of family law matters, we understand that no two cases are alike. Contact us today at 630-844-8781 to speak with an experienced Geneva, IL child custody attorney in a consultation. We serve clients throughout Kane County, DuPage County, Kendall County, and DeKalb County.