Protecting Our Clients and Their Children in DuPage County and Kane County, IL
In some families, child custody agreements and parenting plans may not continue to meet the needs of the child or the parents when several years have passed or when circumstances have changed. To address this issue, the court allows parents to request a modification of the original agreement. If you are the parent requesting the change, you have the burden of proving the modification is in the best interests of your child(ren). The counsel of an experienced family law attorney can improve your chances of obtaining the modifications you are seeking.
The Wheaton child custody modification attorneys at Andrew Cores Family Law Group can assist you in pursuing changes to family court orders. We understand how to balance the needs of the child(ren) with the needs of each parent. Whether you are seeking modification or contesting it, our lawyers can help you.
Reasons You May Request Child Custody Modifications
To modify a custody order, there must have been a substantial change in circumstances for at least one of the parties. If you seek a modification of the allocation of parental responsibilities within two (2) years of the entry of the existing order, you must prove that your children have experienced serious endangerment and that the modification is necessary to protect their safety. For modifications of parenting time or for changes sought after two years, it will be necessary to demonstrate that substantial changes have occurred in the life of you, your children, or the other parent and that the changes you are seeking are in the best interests of your children. There are many reasons for which the court may allow modifications, such as:
- Changes in the circumstances of either parent, such as health issues that have affected their ability to provide the necessary child care.
- Changes in circumstances of the child(ren), such as behavioral concerns that will require them to change their living situations.
- A parent having an alcohol or drug addiction or other issues that may affect children's safety and well-being while in a parent's care.
- Instances of domestic violence at either parent's home or in other situations where children may be exposed to behavior that could cause them physical or emotional harm.
- A parent wishing to relocate to a new home a significant distance away from their current residence.
In Illinois, child custody is now called the allocation of parental responsibilities, and decisions about how these responsibilities will be shared are made based on what is in the best interest of the child. We can help you present your argument for or against the modification based on what is best for your children.
Our firm can also assist you with enforcement of custody orders and parenting plans. If one parent is not following the parenting agreement, we can ask the court to hold him or her in contempt of court for his/her failure to comply with the court's orders. Our attorneys can also assist you in defending against a contempt proceeding.
Contact Our Wheaton Child Custody Modification Lawyers
Please call our Illinois child custody order adjustment attorneys at 630-407-1225 to arrange an appointment. You may also contact us online. We have offices conveniently located in DuPage County and Kendall County, and we provide free consultations.
