Arlington Heights and Chicago Child Custody Attorney

When a marriage is coming to an end, many issues must be resolved. In marriages involving children, child custody is one of the most important considerations for families. Creating a parenting plan that reflects the best interests of the child while protecting the rights of each parent is a delicate, often complex process.

Child custody attorney Roger W. Stelk has over 30 years of experience helping families in Arlington Heights, Chicago, and throughout Cook County reach fair, lasting child custody and visitation agreements.

Call (847) 506-7330 for a free consultation.

Table of Contents

Child Custody-Related Matters Our Law Firm Handles

Our law firm understands the emotional challenges involved in child custody cases. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we advocate for your parental rights and the well-being of your child in every stage of the process. We provide personalized support in the following areas:

Establishment of Child Custody and Visitation Plans (Parenting Time and the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities)

Determining an effective child custody and visitation plan involves considering the child’s needs as well as each parent’s schedule. We work closely with clients to create or modify custody arrangements that support a stable, nurturing environment for their children.

Modifications to Custody and Visitation

Life circumstances change, and parenting plans may need to be updated. If a parent’s job schedule changes or other factors arise that impact the existing arrangement, we guide clients through the process of seeking modifications to custody or visitation plans to better reflect current circumstances.

Parental Relocations and Move-Aways

Parental relocation cases can be particularly challenging, especially when one parent seeks to move out of state or a significant distance from the other. Our firm has over 30 years of experience in advocating for parental rights in relocation cases. Whether you are seeking to move or wish to prevent a relocation to maintain your current custody arrangement, we can help.

Paternity Cases Related to Custody and Visitation

Establishing legal paternity can play a crucial role in determining custody and visitation rights. We assist parents in securing paternity rights to ensure that both mothers and fathers can maintain meaningful relationships with their children.

Call us at (847) 506-7330 to arrange for a free consultation.

Who Has Custody When There’s No Court Order?

Meet Chicago Child Custody Attorney Roger W. Stelk

Roger Stelk is an Illinois child custody lawyer with over 30 years of experience in child custody and divorce cases. He is committed to serving the best interests of children in custody matters and achieving his clients’ goals.

Mr. Stelk can often obtain a workable outcome through negotiation with the other parent’s attorney. When a modification in a parenting plan is required, for example, because of a change in a parent’s job schedule, he can seek to achieve a solution through negotiation or mediation.

We’ll Help You Achieve a Favorable Outcome in Your Child Custody Case

Roger W. Stelk is a dedicated child custody attorney with a long-standing commitment to advocating for the best interests of children and supporting clients’ goals in custody cases. With decades of experience in Illinois family law, Mr. Stelk is highly skilled at securing favorable outcomes for families through various resolution methods, including:

Negotiation
When possible, we seek amicable resolutions through direct negotiation with the other parent’s attorney. Many child custody disputes can be resolved more efficiently outside of court, preserving family relationships and helping parents save time and costs associated with litigation.

Mediation
Mediation offers a cooperative environment to work toward mutually beneficial outcomes. Our firm represents clients throughout the mediation process, ensuring their rights and concerns are addressed while fostering a respectful and constructive dialogue.

Litigation
When negotiations or mediation are not sufficient to protect the best interests of the child, we are prepared to take the case to court. Our family law firm has a solid record of success in litigating contentious custody cases, especially those involving sole custody requests or complex relocation disputes. We will present a strong case on your behalf, advocating for your child’s well-being and your parental rights.

Preparing for a Custody Battle in Illinois

Understanding Illinois Child Custody Laws

In Illinois, courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody and visitation arrangements. Factors that influence these decisions include:

The child’s relationship with each parent
Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community
The wishes of both the child and the parents (depending on age and maturity)
Any history of abuse or neglect

Our Arlington Heights law firm understands the nuances of Illinois child custody law and how it applies to parenting time and the allocation of parental responsibilities. We work with clients to navigate this complex legal landscape and build a strong case based on these key factors, ensuring that the child’s needs are fully represented.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody in Illinois

What Is the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody?

In Illinois, legal custody refers to the authority to make major decisions about the child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody, on the other hand, pertains to where the child lives and the day-to-day parenting responsibilities. It is common for one parent to have primary physical custody while both share legal custody, but each case varies based on the family’s needs.

How Are Visitation Rights Determined?

Visitation, or parenting time, is typically arranged according to the best interests of the child. Illinois law encourages arrangements that allow both parents to spend quality time with their children, but the specific schedule will depend on factors such as each parent’s availability, the child’s needs, and any previous agreements.

Can a Child Custody Agreement Be Modified?

Yes, modifications to child custody and visitation are possible, especially if significant changes occur in a parent’s life that affect the child’s well-being. Common reasons for modifying an agreement include job relocations, changes in a parent’s financial situation, or shifts in the child’s preferences or needs.

How Does Domestic Violence Affect Custody Decisions?

Courts prioritize a child’s safety above all else. If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, it will significantly impact custody decisions. In these cases, the court may restrict visitation or require supervised visits to ensure the child’s safety.