Chicago Child Custody Lawyers

Few decisions matter more than the ones surrounding your children. Where they live, how often you see them, and who makes the big calls about their health and education shape their daily lives and your relationship with them for years to come. If you are facing these questions, you deserve clear answers and a steady advocate at your side.

At Corri Fetman & Associates, Ltd., we deliver strategic, personalized representation to parents across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Founder Corri Fetman is known for sharp litigation skills, direct counsel, and creative, “out of the box” thinking that keeps clients two steps ahead. She strategizes her cases daily, often turning a problem over in her mind long after the workday ends, so that her clients gain leverage and stay prepared for whatever comes next.

Who We Help

Parents come to us at many different points in their journey. You may recognize your own situation in one of the scenarios below:

• You are getting divorced and worried about your children. You may wonder where they will live, how often you will see them, and who gets to make the major decisions about their lives.
• You were never married to the other parent. You may need a formal court order that establishes paternity and sets out parenting time, decision-making authority, and child support.
• The current parenting plan no longer works. The other parent may be ignoring the schedule, or something in your life has changed, and the existing arrangement no longer fits.
• Distance is making the schedule difficult. One parent may want to relocate, or you already live far apart, and the current plan no longer works for school, travel, or exchanges.
• You and the other parent cannot agree. You may disagree about parenting time, school choice, healthcare, safety concerns, or simply what arrangement serves your child best.

How Child Custody Works in Illinois

Every custody matter in Illinois turns on one guiding principle, but the path to a final order involves several steps. Here is how the process generally unfolds.

The Best Interests of the Child Standard

Illinois courts decide parenting matters based on what serves the best interests of the child. Judges weigh a range of factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, the wishes of the parents, the child’s needs, and, when the child is mature enough, the child’s own preference. The goal is a stable, healthy arrangement that supports the child’s growth.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Under current Illinois law, “parental responsibilities” cover two areas. The first is decision-making authority, which addresses who decides major issues like education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Parents may share these responsibilities or hold them individually, depending on the family’s circumstances. The second is parenting time, which describes the schedule each parent spends with the child.

Building a Parenting Plan

Illinois requires a parenting plan that spells out the schedule, decision-making roles, and other practical details such as transportation, holidays, and communication. When parents agree, they can submit a joint plan for the court’s approval. When they cannot agree, each parent may propose a plan, and the court resolves the differences. We help you craft a plan that protects your role in your child’s life while remaining realistic for everyone involved.

The Role of Experts

Some cases call for outside professionals. When needed, we work with child psychologists, custody evaluators, therapists, educational consultants, and other experts who can offer the court a clear picture of your child’s needs. These voices often carry real weight, and we know how to present that information effectively.

Mediation and Resolution

Many parenting disputes are resolved through agreement rather than a contested trial. Illinois courts often encourage mediation to help parents reach a workable plan with less conflict. We pursue cooperative solutions whenever they serve your goals, and we stand ready to litigate firmly when an agreement is not possible.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right attorney can shape both the outcome of your case and how you experience the process. Here is what sets our firm apart.

• Strategic preparation. We build a detailed game plan, anticipate the other side’s moves, and keep you ready for every scenario. Corri strategizes her cases daily to keep you two steps ahead.
• Creative problem-solving. Corri’s “out of the box” thinking helps her find leverage and solutions that other attorneys miss.
• Responsive service. You will work with an attorney who listens, returns your calls, and keeps you informed at each step.
• Litigation experience. When a case heads to court, you want a seasoned advocate. Corri is known as a formidable, well-prepared litigator in even the most demanding parenting disputes.
• A personalized approach. We treat your family as unique, because it is. Your goals and your child’s needs drive our strategy.

Our aim stays the same throughout: reduce the stress on you and your family while pursuing the strongest possible result for your child.

Protect Your Children’s Future

Your child’s well-being is at the heart of every decision we help you make. With our experience, dedication, and personalized approach, we strive to guide you through this challenging time with confidence and clarity. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a custody resolution that prioritizes your child’s future.

FAQs about Child Custody in Illinois