Wheaton, IL Family Law Attorneys

Supportive Family Lawyers for Child Custody, Paternity, and More in Wheaton, Illinois

When you are dealing with legal issues that affect your family, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer stress of it all. Whether you are dealing with a contentious divorce, struggling through a paternity battle, or need help filing an urgent order of protection, a family law attorney can provide you with representation and help you protect your best interests.

At Roberts PC, our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex family law issues. We give every case our individual attention so that our clients can rest assured that their concerns will be taken seriously. When you work with our firm, we will keep you informed of any developments in your case and work towards an efficient solution.

Child Custody

Child custody is a delicate issue for parents going through a divorce. It is almost a universal truth that parents want what is best for their children, but unfortunately, parents do not always agree on what is best. To resolve child custody matters, a judge will often send parents to mediation before their case goes to court.

During mediation, Illinois parents will be tasked with creating a parenting plan that addresses parenting time (physical custody) and decision-making responsibility (legal custody). If the parents can come to an agreement through mediation, they can present their parenting plan to the judge for final approval. If mediation fails, then the parents must present separate proposals to a judge detailing their preferred custody arrangements.

A family court judge will always rule in favor of the child's best interests in custody disputes, taking into account the child's relationship with family, ties to the community, and the mental/physical health of parents or other family members. A family law attorney at Roberts PC can speak up for you in custody hearings, making sure that your rights as a parent are fairly represented.

Guardianship

If you are looking to assume the responsibility of caring for a child or an older adult, you may want to consider filing a petition for guardianship. Generally, the court will only approve a petition for guardianship if there is a clear need for it. For instance, you could petition for guardianship of a child when the parents are no longer able or willing to support their child. You could also petition for guardianship of an adult if they cannot manage their own affairs due to age or disability.

A guardianship can be temporary or permanent. As a guardian, you could be responsible for handling your ward's financial affairs and/or taking care of them on a daily basis. At Roberts PC, we can help you petition for guardianship, or we can advise you on the best ways to protect your rights and interests as a ward.

Legal Separation

Legal separation is similar to divorce in many ways. While legally separated, a couple may choose to live apart, dividing their property and figuring out a parenting plan for their children. The key difference between legal separation and divorce, however, is that a legally separated couple is still considered to be married.

There are different reasons why a couple might consider legal separation over divorce. It may be a way to avoid attracting attention with a public divorce, preventing scrutiny from friends and family and avoiding religious complications. Other couples may use legal separation as a means of testing the waters, as it is much easier to reconcile after a period of legal separation than it is to divorce and get remarried. While legally separated, a couple might still be able to claim each other's insurance benefits from their respective employers.

Meet With a Wheaton, Illinois Family Law Attorney Today

At Roberts PC, our attorneys can assist with a multitude of family law issues, including adoption, marital agreements, paternity, and much more. To schedule a free consultation with our Wheaton lawyers, call us at 630-668-4211 or contact us online.