Child Custody and Visitation

Chicago Child Custody and Visitation Lawyer

It's important to remember that your child's well-being is enhanced if you are able to maintain continuity in your child's life. Your child will benefit if he or she is able to stay in a familiar home, keep existing friends, maintain a similar lifestyle, and feel the love and support of both parents and extended family.

When parents begin to plan for divorce, their goal for their children should be to create as seamless a transition as possible from one household to two. It's a tall order but the Law Offices of Jennifer C. Smetters is here to help, with support and services to enable you to arrive at a child custody agreement that provides stability and structure for the whole family following a divorce.

Contact her Chicago law office at 312-360-1166 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation and find out how she can help you.

Fathers in divorce are often concerned about being able to maintain a strong relationship with their children. Mothers in divorce are often worried about their financial security as they strive to establish a new household following a divorce. Both parents usually want to do what is best for their children. Unfortunately, too many parents let anger at their spouse cloud their judgment when it comes to making decisions about custody, visitation, and child support.

Don't Let the Court Decide the Issues Most Important to You

When it comes to child custody, each parent has an ideal custody arrangement in mind, as well as arrangements they can acceptable ones they cannot accept. The goal of child custody negotiations will be to reach the most ideal arrangement possible for both parents, while still placing the safety and best interest of the child first.

While it is natural for disagreements to be at the forefront during divorce, former partners can often find a great deal to agree upon when they have their child's welfare in mind, and a lawyer who can skillfully negotiate. By working out your differences outside of court, your child custody agreement will be less costly and more satisfactory.

In addition to saving time and money, resolving your differences through communication, instead of combative tactics sets a positive example for your child and starts your new parenting relationship on a positive note.

Litigation When Necessary

Of course, child custody attorney Jennifer C. Smetters understands that not all matters can be resolved amicably. Some cases will require a judge, especially when there is a history of abuse or real concerns for the safety of the child. Ms. Smetters is an experienced trial lawyer and an aggressive advocate for your needs.

If your child has been abused, contact local police authorities to report the crime and contact the Law Office of Jennifer Smetters or call 312-360-1166 to get an order for protection to prevent the other parent from seeing the child alone. Your child's safety is of primary importance and the court can deny visitation or allow only supervised visitation in cases of abuse.