Point Cook Family Lawyer

If you are going through a divorce or family law issue such as child custody, child support or adoption, you need to have a skilled point cook family lawyer on your side. Whether it is for a simple or complex matter, Bryce Cook can help you resolve your case with the least amount of stress and expense.

Divorce

Divorce is a legal process that ends the marital rights and responsibilities between two people. It can be a complex, emotionally charged, and often lonely time for all involved.

A divorce can be a messy and expensive process. Our survey showed that readers with disputes over property and/or debt, child support and custody, and alimony spent an average of $18,700 (including attorneys' fees) and took 18 months to complete their divorces.

However, couples who reach an agreement on all issues before they file for a divorce can avoid litigation. If they have children, the court may order mediation to help resolve any remaining disagreements.

Child Custody

Child custody is one of the most important issues to consider in a divorce or separation. It involves determining the best interests of children and who has responsibility for their care, as well as visitation rights for the other parent.

There are two types of child custody: physical custody and legal custody. A court can award joint (shared) physical custody to both parents, or sole (sole) physical and legal custody to one parent.

A judge will decide child custody based on the children's best interests. This includes a variety of factors, including the age and health of the children, the relationship between each parent and the other, and the stability of the home environment.

Child Support

Child support is the money paid by a non-custodial parent (NCP) to a custodial parent (CP). It helps ensure that children have food, clothing, and shelter.

A point cook family lawyer can help you establish child support payments, or modify a current order. They can also help you collect past-due support.

If the non-custodial parent fails to pay court ordered support, he or she can face criminal penalties. These include a misdemeanor conviction and possible fines.

In addition, if the NCP has left the state or failed to make child support payments for more than 6 months or owes more than $10,000, he or she can be charged with a felony. These charges can result in jail time and/or heavy fines. Additionally, the Secretary of Illinois can suspend a driver’s license in these cases.

Adoption

Adoption is a complex legal process that can change the lives of birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees. It can also bring about feelings of guilt and shame for the adopted child.

In some cases, adoption is the only way to provide permanency for a child who is in need of a permanent family. It is also a great solution for step-parents who are raising children from their spouse’s previous marriage, foster parents who have adopted the child they initially provided care for or grandparents who are caring for a grandchild because a parent is no longer capable.

Before adopting, it is important to consider your own financial situation and whether you can afford the adoption costs. These can include agency fees, home study fees, program fees, medical, cradle and travel expenses as well as legal costs.

Modifications

If your child is struggling to keep up in school, you may be able to get them a modification. Modifications adjust what students are expected to learn or be tested on, such as shortening assignments or adjusting the grading level for them. These adjustments can make learning easier for children, but they can also put them at a disadvantage. If you are considering requesting or defending a modification, contact a point cook family lawyer at Kollias P.C. today for a consultation. Our firm has the experience you need to win your case and get the support your child deserves.