Child Custody Attorney Schaumburg

Child Custody Attorney Schaumburg

Most people in Schaumburg live quiet lives. In recent years, this village has consistently ranked as one of the best places in Illinois to raise a family. Because modern families are so complex, every day diligent effort is sometimes not enough to keep things running smoothly. Sometimes, a Schaumburg child custody attorney must make parenting time arrangements that uphold your rights and reflect the best interests of the children.

The experienced Schaumburg child custody attorneys at the Andrea Heckman Law routinely handle matters in Cook and DuPage Counties. So, we know all the procedural rules in all the courts. That includes the unwritten rules. As a result, we are well-positioned to fight for you. When you put our experience to work for you, the result will probably exceed your expectations.

Although every child custody case is different, most follow the same general outline, which is why our Schaumburg child custody attorneys can use a common approach.

Initial Consultation

Because parenting time disputes may move in one of several different directions, it is very important to begin each case with a conversation.

We need to know your goals. Some parents want as much parenting time as possible, while others are content with minimal contact. Neither posture is good or bad; they are just different. Furthermore, if there are deeper legal, financial, or emotional issues, we need to know about them sooner rather than later.

Additionally, you need to know our approach. Our Schaumburg child custody attorneys are not overly-aggressive pit bulls who contest trivial matters. Such a stance runs contrary to the expectations in Illinois’ new co-parenting law, so this posture usually does more harm than good. That being said, we never compromise on larger points unless that compromise upholds your legal and financial rights. 

Temporary Hearing

A few weeks after a divorce or other petition is filed, the judge typically holds a temporary hearing. Do not let the name fool you because “temporary” does not mean “unimportant.”

At this hearing, judges issue orders in critical areas, especially with regard to parenting time division. There is an old saying that possession is nine points of the law. In this context, once a judge assigns a parenting time division, it is difficult to substantially revise it. After all, the judge who issues the final orders is usually the same one who made the interim parenting time division.

At the Andrea Heckman Law, we feel that preparation is key at this point. We come to court ready to fight for you, and more importantly, ready to uphold your interests. For example, if parenting time is important, we may compromise in other areas in order to obtain the desired result.

Final Resolution

Out-of-court settlements resolve most parenting time disputes. Such resolutions are usually in everyone’s best interests.

Alternatively, the child custody dispute may settle at mediation. During this form of alternative dispute resolution, a neutral third party mediator listens to arguments from both sides. Then, the mediator tries to facilitate a settlement. If both parties are reasonably close together and negotiate in good faith, mediation is usually successful.

Only a small percentage of parenting time disputes proceed to trial. That trial is usually before a judge without a jury.

Count on a Dedicated Lawyer

At the Andrea Heckman Law, we use proven methods to successfully resolve parenting time disputes. For a free consultation with an experienced Schaumburg child custody attorney, contact us now. Convenient payment plans are available.