Custody Attorneys Tinley Park
If you are facing a divorce that involves children, you need a child custody modification, or you have any other child custody concerns, the most important first step you can take is consulting with an experienced custody attorney in Tinley Park. Child custody under Illinois law is now referred to as parental responsibility (legal custody) and parenting time (physical custody), but the basics remain the same.
Child Custody Decisions
You and your children’s other parent are welcome to negotiate child custody arrangements between yourselves that you both agree to, and the court is very likely to incorporate your decisions into your final divorce decree. If you and your ex, however, cannot come to an agreement on the matter, the court will do so for you – basing its decisions on what it determines to be in the best interests of your children. Keeping this decision-making process out of court is generally considered preferable but is not always possible.
Legal Custody or Parental Responsibility
Children rely on their parents to make important decisions for them regarding their ongoing health and well-being, and this responsibility is addressed by legal custody. This parental decision-making power can be shared by both you and your children’s other parent (joint legal custody), or the responsibility can be bestowed on only one of you (sole legal custody). Further, you can divide the types of decisions you make between the two of you. The kinds of decisions addressed by legal custody include:
- Decisions about your children’s education
- Decisions about your children’s religious upbringing
- Decisions about your children’s extracurricular activities
- Decisions about the medical care and attention your children receive
Physical Custody or Parenting Time
The other component of child custody is naturally how your children will split their time between you and their other parent. If you and your divorcing spouse hammer out a parenting time schedule that works for you and that you are both in agreement about, you are free to do so. If the court makes the decisions for you, however, you will very likely receive a standard parenting plan in which you either split your time with the kids fairly evenly or in which one of you becomes the primary custodial parent (with whom your children reside the majority of the time) while the other parent is awarded a standard parenting time schedule. Because the court bases all its decisions that directly affect children on the best interests of those children and because it is generally considered preferable for children to maintain a relationship with both parents, it is rare for a parent not to be awarded at least some parenting time (in one form or another).
An Experienced Child Custody Attorney Can Help
If you have child custody concerns, an accomplished custody attorney in Tinley Park at Dalmares & Associates with the experience, drive, and skill may be able to help you. For more information about what we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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Thank you
Demetrios, I cannot thank you enough for you diligence, patience, knowledge, concern and determination to represent my best interest. From the bottom of my heart, you are amazing and thank you for all you have done for me. Robin
Best experience ever
With Demetrios, you don't have to worry about anything. He knows what he's doing. I have two lawyers before him. It was a long case and messed up for 2 years. Since Demetrios took my case, he finished it in a couple of months. He is very organized and smart, and he will take you through that very smooth process. Thank you so much Demetrios, I owe you a lot.
Demetrios Dalmares is a very good attorney. He did a great job in assisting me through my divorce. This is the attorney who will get the job done!
Divorce
Demetrios has helped me through a very difficult time in my life. He is not intimidated by increased levels of challenges. He has been able to adapt to my unique circumstances and get over every hurdle with confidence. He's intelligent, kind and a good listener. I wholeheartedly recommend Demetrios and his excellent staff to all my family and friends. I assure you that his commitment to helping others is reassuring, and I hope it sets your mind at ease.
Child support termination
Mr. Dalmares was great to work with. He walked me through the process and kept me updated on any updates that had occurred. Highly recommended!
Thank you, Demetrios, for your tenacity, attentiveness and patience in working with me in finalizing my divorce. God Bless
5-star team, very helpful, very friendly, punctual. Hired for a paternity case and was very pleased with the outcome. Demetrios is great; I highly recommend!
Recommend
I recommend Demetrios Dalmares with the highest praise as a divorce attorney. My divorce was settled quickly and without any unnecessary drama. I was updated regularly regarding the progress of my case. He was extremely knowledgeable, diligent and persistent. Demetrios Dalmares was clearly working in my best interest and the best interest of my three children. He is definitely the attorney you want on your side when going through a divorce. I cannot thank or recommend him enough!
Success Stories
Wife Seeks Unreasonable Share of Business Assets During Divorce
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Husband: Couple shared ownership in a business, resulting in complex property division issues. After investigation of the couple’s financial history, our client received a much more equitable divorce agreement than what was originally offered.
Mother Requests Limited Parental Rights for Father with Violent Past
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Mother: Father became aggressive and violent toward Mother during their separation, prompting her to seek full custody of their children. At trial, the court granted Father supervised parenting time only and Mother was awarded child support.
Bitter Divorce Drawn Out by Poor Representation Until Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. Gets Involved
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Husband: Couple had been locked in a contentious divorce for nearly three years and changed lawyers several times. Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. provided the experience and organization needed to resolve the case within months, avoiding a trial for our client.
Husband Tries to Avoid Spousal Support Based on Outdated Earning Potential
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Wife: Wife left a successful career to raise children. When Husband denied spousal support based on Wife’s previous earnings, Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. countered with evidence that retraining was needed, and our client was awarded spousal support.
Husband Insists on Taking Divorce to Trial
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Wife: Husband tried to intimidate Wife into a divorce settlement that heavily favored his interests by drawing out the case. Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Wife through trial, where she received an equitable share of marital assets.
Father Granted Child Support Adjustment Due to Mother’s Cohabitation
In a case where Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. represented Father: Mother began cohabitating with a new partner who made significantly more than our client. Law Office of Demetrios N Dalmares and Associates Ltd. successfully demonstrated that the new relationship justified a modification and obtained a favorable outcome through negotiation.