Chicago, IL LGBTQ+ Child Custody Lawyer

Reliable Child Custody Attorney for LGBTQ+ Families in Chicago, Illinois

Disputes over child custody can become intense. When parents have different ideas about how parenting time and decision-making responsibility should be divided, it may fall to the courts to make the final decision. An LGBTQ+ Chicago, IL child custody attorney can stand up for your parental rights and help you do what is best for your child.

At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we represent lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender parents in concerns about child custody. We will make sure that your concerns are heard by the courts, providing compassionate counsel and advocacy. Attorney Timothy Cameron has years of experience protecting his clients' interests in issues of family law, so you can take comfort knowing that your case will be handled by a professional.

Who Will Get Custody After an LGBTQ+ Divorce in Chicago?

In all child custody cases, the judge's main concern will lie with the child's best interests. You may worry that societal expectations or implicit biases will affect how custody is allocated. At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we are here to reassure you with devoted advocacy to preserve your important role in your child's life. Keep in mind that child custody in Illinois includes two separate duties:

• Decision-making responsibility: Also known as legal custody, this allows you to make decisions on a child's behalf, usually in regard to subjects like education, healthcare, and religion.
• Parenting time: Also known as physical custody, this gives you the right to see and take care of your child.

Many divorces end with a joint custody arrangement where both parents share physical and legal custody to some extent. However, the court can also give one parent sole physical and legal custody if one parent is deemed to be unfit.

Potential Complications in LGBTQ+ Custody Cases

Many same-sex couples become parents through adoption. If the parents divorce, the question of custody may become complicated if one of the parents has not established their parentage. Securing legal parentage gives you the right to request custody in court. At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we can help non-biological parents secure custody rights in a same-sex marriage by pursuing a second-parent adoption.

Child Support Obligations in LGBTQ+ Custody Cases

When parents separate, it is typical that one of them will be required to pay child support as part of a court order. This is important for ensuring that the child gets necessary financial assistance from both parents, covering expenses related to housing, education, healthcare, childcare, and more. Child support is usually paid by the parent with the lesser share of parenting time.

Child support may be modified to reflect the family's changing circumstances. For instance, if the parent paying child support suffers an unexpected health complication that affects their ability to pay support, they could request a reduction to the payments. Similarly, if the child's needs change, the parent receiving support could request an increase to the payments. In any case, the court will ask for proof that there has been a change in circumstances.

If your co-parent has not honored their child support obligations, you can take legal action to enforce the court order. Enforcement may involve suspending your co-parent's driving privileges, garnishing their wages, or holding them in contempt of court.

Contact an LGBTQ+ Chicago, Illinois Child Custody Attorney Today

LGBTQ+ parents may have to deal with additional considerations or complexities when assigning child custody responsibilities. At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we are sensitive to these issues, providing supportive counsel and representation to address your family's needs.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need legal assistance. To schedule a free initial consultation with our LGBTQ+ Chicago, IL child custody lawyer, call our offices at 312-489-8638 or contact us online.