Providing Legal Advice in Child Custody Cases
The attorneys at the Law Office of Susan F. Grammer, Attorney at Law, have more than 29 years of experience helping clients through divorce and other family law issues. We understand how important and sensitive child custody is within the context of your divorce and we work to provide you with the advice you need to make informed decisions regarding your child custody agreement.
Our East Alton, Illinois lawyers know the complexities and emotions that surround child custody issues. We can help establish appropriate custody arrangements. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Physical and Legal Custody
When discussing child custody, there are two important differentiators: physical and legal. Physical custody means your child lives with you. Legal custody means you have control over decision-making for your child's upbringing, which can include religion, medical treatment and education. Each of these custody arrangements can be sole or joint.
Sole Custody
Sole custody gives one parent either physical and/or legal custody. Most courts may award you sole physical custody if your spouse is deemed an unfit parent due to drug dependency, having a new partner who is deemed unfit, or charges of neglect or child abuse.
Joint Custody
You can establish a joint custody arrangement with your child's other parent if you divorce, separate, or stop living together - or even if you never lived together. Joint custody may be:
- Joint legal custody
- Joint physical custody (where the children spend a significant portion of time with each parent)
- Joint legal and physical custody
Your Parenting Plan
With joint physical and legal custody arrangements, most courts require that you file a parenting plan. These plans outline certain conditions you and the other parent will follow. These plans must be well written and thought out. This parenting plan is the roadmap you will have to follow, controlling virtually every aspect of your child's upbringing. Any changes or disagreements after the plan is filed will require court action; should circumstances change, don't agree to informal modifications of the plan. Any modifications should be discussed with an attorney and, if necessary, obtain a court ordered modification.
Contact Us Today To Discuss Child Custody
Our lawyers understand the ins and outs of family law and how it can affect child custody arrangements. We can help you determine the best option for you and your children. Contact the Law Office of Susan F. Grammer, Attorney at Law. Call us today at 618-216-6679.
