Child Custody Lawyer In Bloomington IL

As a child custody lawyer in Bloomington, IL from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols understands, in a parent’s heart they usually are committed to winning custody of their child. But, not every parent knows what to do in order to showcase their best selves to the court. We suggest parents meet with our dedicated legal team for advice on how to prepare for negotiations, mediation, and your court hearing.

FAQ: Child Custody Challenges

Whether your child custody situation is contentious or amicable, working with a dedicated child custody lawyer in Bloomington, IL parents trust will help you to resolve your situation as efficiently and effectively as possible. At Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, we understand that there is nothing more precious to you than your child(ren). Allow us to help you advocate on behalf of their best interests as your family navigates this significant shift in your dynamic.

How does a judge decide how to rule in child custody matters?

Family court judges are required to resolve contentious child custody matters in accordance with the best interests of the child standard. Essentially, if parents can’t agree about how their child custody arrangement should work, judges will rule in favor of the party whose arguments best reflect the interests of the affected child. Of course, a judge’s perception of a child’s best interests is unavoidably colored by various biases. As a result, it is generally a good idea to avoid leaving your child’s fate in a judge’s hands unless there is a very good reason to risk having them rule against your position.

How does the law address coparenting relationships?

If you and your child’s other parent are going to remain in your child’s life in any significant capacity, the court will likely require you to formalize a parenting plan. A parenting plan (sometimes referred to as a parenting agreement) outlines how you’ll share parenting responsibilities. For example, you may choose to outline when your child will reside with each parent, how you’ll manage holidays and special occasions, and how your child will keep in contact with one parent when residing with the other. Our dedicated Bloomington child custody lawyer team can help you draft a parenting plan that meets your family’s unique needs.

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to the authority to make significant legal decisions on behalf of a child. If you and your child’s other parent share legal custody, you’re both empowered to make legal, medical, and educational decisions on behalf of your child – although you may need to come to an agreement before exercising that authority. Physical custody refers to the power to make “everyday” decisions for your child, including whether they’re involved in extra-curricular activities and where they will live.

What does ‘physical placement’ mean?

Physical placement generally refers to where and with whom a child is residing at any given time. If your child is scheduled to spend the night with you, you have physical placement of your child. That means, you are empowered to decide if they sleep under your roof, with a friend or family, or even with their other parent for the night. Physical placement doesn’t mean that your child MUST be with you, it means that – according to the terms of your parenting agreement – you get to decide where they go and who they’re with for the duration of your physical placement time.

Can I get sole custody of my child?

While most judges begin a child custody case with a default mindset of ordering a joint custody arrangement, there are times when a sole custody order is warranted. There are also times when parents may split legal custody of a child but one parent is granted sole physical custody. In either event, these outlier orders may be handed down when such arrangements are in the best interests of the affected child. To learn more, connect with a dedicated Bloomington child custody lawyer at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols today.

Tips and Tricks – Dos and Don’ts

These are the do’s and don’ts we may share with parents over their free initial legal consultation: 

Do: Show You Can Collaborate With Your Ex

Unfortunately, a child custody lawyer in Bloomington has seen how parents can lose the entire child custody battle because they were unwilling to work with the other parent. Of course, we understand that you may despise your ex. But, you may have to accept that he or she will continue to be in both you and your child’s life. So, the court may look fondly upon your openness to collaborate in regards to parenting. 

Don’t: Forget to Exercise Your Rights as a Parent

If you currently have some visitation rights as the child custody battle is moving forward, then take advantage of all the time you can get. If the court sees you could have seen your children significantly more often than you actually did, that may not look so great for your side. Take your kids to do fun things while also helping them with regular activities like homework, chores, and getting ready for school. 

Do: Ask for an Evaluation of Your Home

As a Bloomington child custody lawyer may suggest, requesting to the court that you want an in-home evaluation can speak volumes for your side of the case. This can be particularly helpful if you think the other parent may try to bad mouth about you to the judge regarding your living situation. However, if this does happen then you will already have been geared with a positive in-home inspection to present to the court. 

Don’t: Underestimate the Power of First Impressions

Do not show up late to your hearing, and be sure to dress in the same kind of clothes you would wear to a really nice job interview. Your child custody lawyer in Illinois at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols may talk with you about the importance of first impressions, since it won’t matter what is said about you in court. What will matter is whether the judge believes it or not. So, don’t show up looking unkempt and in casual clothes, as the judge may see this as you not taking the legal hearing seriously. 

We can empathize with the fact that the idea of losing your kids may be your worst nightmare. If you need help preparing for a child custody hearing, then we are here to assist you. It is imperative that you reach out to us early, so we have more time to build your case. Please contact our law office to book a consultation with an IL child custody lawyer sooner rather than later.

Tensions Can Run High

When children are involved in a divorce, fighting for child custody takes on a heightened emotional tone. It is important to move toward a resolution that considers your family’s emotional and financial health. A member of our legal team can provide you with the guidance that you need to make informed decisions.

We always strive to bring a compassionate and empathetic outlook to every situation. We work closely with our clients to understand their individual situation and help them make decisions that consider the children’s best interests.

We’re experienced at coming to an amicable resolution without the need for litigation. If, however, we exhaust all our options, we’re ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you inside the courtroom and fight aggressively for you and your loved ones.

To consult a child custody lawyer in Illinois at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, contact us online or call 309-467-3213.