Des Plaines, Illinois Child Custody Attorney
Family Lawyer Advising Clients throughout Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs
A child custody battle may be one of the most difficult experiences of your life. At the Law Offices of Scott D. Rogoff, we understand and appreciate these difficulties. Des Plaines divorce attorney Scott D. Rogoff has extensive experience litigating child custody disputes and he prides himself on representing his clients with compassion and sensitivity during these emotionally stressful times.
Contact our experienced Illinois child custody attorney today at (847) 768-2194 to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your child custody concerns.
Lawyers Protecting the Interests and Well-Being of Children
In any child custody dispute, our first priority is protecting the interest and well-being of the children involved. To that end, we believe strongly in three things:
- Children must have meaningful relationships with both parents, unless one parent is found to be unfit to act as a parent.
- Non-custodial parents should pay a fair amount of child support to custodial parents to aid in raising children
- Except in extenuating circumstances, it is best for children to be raised by two parents. Our attorneys protect both mothers’ rights and fathers’ rights.
Chicago area child custody attorney Scott D. Rogoff is experienced in drafting and negotiating parenting plans for our clients, working to ensure that all of these goals are met. We care about our clients and their children. We will work effectively and efficiently to resolve your child custody concerns in a manner that minimizes the effects of the custody battle on your children.
Child custody and visitation arrangements are determined based on what is in the best interests of the child, which includes the consideration of factors such as:
- The age of the child
- The child’s and parents’ wishes
- Interactions between the child and his parents and siblings
- The child’s adjustment to home, school and community
- Mental and physical health of all persons involved
- Any past physical violence and any past or future threat of physical violence
- The willingness of each parent to help foster a close relationship between the child and the other parent
- The amount and nature of prior contact between parent and child, and the amount of bonding between them
What Is the Difference Between Joint Custody and Sole Custody?
Joint custody allows both parents decision-making authority regarding major issues in the child’s upbringing, such as the child’s healthcare, education or religious upbringing. If an agreement regarding a major decision affecting the child cannot be reached, the parents must attend mediation sessions before petitioning the court for relief. In joint custody arrangements, one parent is generally designated as the “residential custodial parent,” who is the parent in whose home the child will primarily reside.
Conversely, if a parent is granted sole custody, that parent is granted the exclusive right to make the decisions regarding the healthcare, education and religious upbringing of the child. Sole legal custody does not mean that the non-custodial parent surrenders all rights with respect to the daily care and upbringing of the child or that the non-custodial parent is denied visitation rights. To the contrary, non-custodial parents are often granted visitation rights and, during the non-custodial parent’s parenting time, he or she is permitted to make everyday decisions regarding the daily care of the child.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Scott Rogoff for Child Custody Matters?
Because we are a small Chicago area divorce law firm, we are able to work closely with clients in an intimate and personal setting. We stress the importance of client communication so that, if you have any questions or concerns, you’ll be able to receive a prompt answer from us. For a free initial consultation related to divorce, child support or other family law matters, contact the Des Plaines child custody law firm of the Law Offices of Scott D. Rogoff at (847) 768-2194 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your child custody needs.