Custody Modification Lawyer Chicago, IL
Change Your Child Custody Arrangement With The Help Of Our Attorneys
The parenting plan you and your child’s other parent agreed on when you first split may not be as effective as the years go on. Perhaps one of you has a great job offer, but it’s out of state, and a joint custody arrangement may not be feasible. Or, maybe your child has reached their teens and has a specific preference for which parent they want to live with. Some families are able to negotiate a child custody change on their own and submit it to the judge for approval, but for many others, a dispute over who gets the kids and when means another trip to court. Our Chicago, IL custody modification lawyer helps you prepare your petition to change your child custody schedule and present a strong argument in your favor before the judge.
Emotions often run high in child custody disputes; while a family law judge rules on the matter according to what is in the best interest of the child (including, if the child is old enough, their preferences), you still need a strong argument proving that your proposal is in the best interests of your child. That’s where the attorneys at Merel Family Law come in. We know what judges look for in custody modification petitions, and we ensure that yours is strong, is based on the current Illinois Family Code, and clearly demonstrates that your position is best for your child. Please contact us today to discuss your needs.
Legal Insight For Chicago Child Custody Cases
It’s not uncommon for divorcing parents to have difficulty viewing their ex as a capable co-parent, especially when the split is contentious. We understand that it can be challenging to remain objective when negotiating custody and visitation changes and tempting to say “no” just to spite your ex. Our attorneys help you stay focused on what truly matters: crafting a parenting plan that aligns with your child’s best interests.
We also help you understand your options for co-parenting under Illinois law. Whether you engage in voluntary mediation or court-ordered sessions, our attorneys represent you in the process, helping you negotiate better terms than you might achieve on your own.
Our Chicago Custody Modification Lawyer Protect Your Child
In some cases, modifications are necessary because a parent is no longer providing a safe or stable environment for the child. If one parent is struggling with substance abuse, neglect, or other unsafe behaviors, we can gather the necessary evidence and advocate for a revised plan that prioritizes the child’s safety and well-being. Our attorneys alert the court to dangerous situations your child may encounter and work toward limiting the unsafe parent’s access to the child when appropriate.
If you need to modify your existing parenting plan, whether due to a parent’s relocation, a child’s preferences, or concerns about a child’s safety, reach out to Merel Family Law. We have extensive experience working through complex and contentious situations to help you establish a plan that is in your child’s best interests. Contact us today for a consultation with a Chicago custody modification lawyer.
Types Of Custody Modification Cases We Handle
At Merel Family Law, we work with parents who need to make changes to existing custody and child support arrangements. Whether the current plan no longer fits your child’s needs or your life circumstances have shifted, we help you pursue a modification that reflects what works best today. Our firm is nationally and locally recognized, and our team of award-winning lawyers brings more than 221 years of combined experience helping families across Illinois with their family law needs. If you’re seeking help from a Chicago, IL custody modification lawyer, we’re here to provide clear and committed legal representation.
Changes Due To A Parent Relocating
When one parent moves a significant distance away, a custody modification may be required. We handle cases where relocation affects the child’s daily routine or school attendance.
Concerns About A Child’s Safety Or Wellbeing
If concerns arise about a child’s physical or emotional safety, a custody order can be reviewed. Our team works with parents to seek changes that prioritize the child’s best interest.
Shifts In A Child’s Needs As They Grow
As children mature, their academic, social, and emotional needs often change. We help modify parenting plans to align with a child’s evolving routine or preferences.
Disruption In Parenting Time Compliance
When one parent consistently misses scheduled time or fails to follow the parenting plan, this can be disruptive and damaging to the child and other parent, and a modification may be appropriate. We assist clients in pursuing updated orders that reflect actual patterns.
Changes In A Parent’s Work Schedule Or Availability
When a parent gets a new job, their shift changes, the location of where they report changes, and other work-related issues, can make a one-time good and workable plan no longer feasible. When this happens, we help update custody orders to better align with new daily routines.
Requests For More Equal Parenting Time
Parents who have taken on more caregiving responsibility may want to formalize this shift and modify support agreements to reflect this change- or they may not realistically be able to take on the extra responsibility this entails and need help to get their parenting time back to the original plan. When these things happen, a Chicago, IL custody modification lawyer from our office can assist in petitioning for a more balanced arrangement, creating a record of a new plan in writing, and if needed, modifying existing support agreements.
Introduction Of A New Partner Or Household Member
Sometimes a parent’s new partner or living situation impacts the child’s experience. We handle cases where that change prompts a request for custody modification.
Health Concerns Affecting A Parent
When a parent’s medical condition affects their ability to care for the child, we help address how custody should be adjusted in response to their new limitations.
Educational Or Extracurricular Conflicts
If the child’s school or activity schedule no longer aligns with the existing plan, we help modify the agreement to support consistency and stability in their daily life.
Let’s Talk About Your Custody Goals
Custody modification cases are deeply personal and often involve difficult transitions. At Merel Family Law, we work directly with parents to develop custody arrangements that reflect the current needs of their children. If you believe your current plan no longer fits and need to speak with a Chicago, IL custody modification lawyer, we’re here to help you evaluate your options and move forward. Reach out today to schedule a time to talk with our team.
