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Whether you are considering your options in a divorce, juggling custody rights with a former spouse, or working to adopt a child, a family law lawyer Peoria IL offers may help you with your situation.

When working with an experienced family law lawyer in Peoria IL, you have the support of people who are intimately familiar with the legal system and who may offer you unbiased and supportive opinions.

Each compassionate family law lawyer Peoria IL clients trust from Smith & Weer Attorney at Law understands that these types of legal issues can be some of the most stressful to deal with. After all, these are not just legal matters to you and your children, but decisions that will affect your family’s future. We will work diligently, using all available resources, to obtain the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Divorce and Child Custody

If you have children, or a complex financial situation, working with a family law lawyer Peoria IL trusts to advocate for you and to work with your spouse’s attorney can be critical. There are many considerations when divorcing with children in the mix. In light of recent changes in Illinois family law, it is important to be comfortable with the agreements that you are submitting to the judge.

Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA)

IMDMA is the statute that addresses the legal rules for divorce, child custody, and child support. In 2016, the act went through a major overhaul, changing many of the rules regarding divorce and child custody. Earlier this year, there were more changes that affected how child support should be calculated.

If you are facing any legal issues which will bring you to family court, it is critical that your family law lawyer Peoria IL residents depend on is up-to-date and knowledgeable about all of these changes. You can be assured that each family law lawyer in Peoria IL from Smith & Weer, P.C. is well-versed in any new changes to the law, as well as aware of any new changes that may be coming.

One of the major revisions to IMDMA was how family courts now handle child custody. For one thing, it is no longer referred to as “child custody.” Instead the courts refer to this as “allocation of parental responsibilities.” And there is no longer “visitation” for parents. This is now referred to as “parenting time.”

Parenting Plans

Parental responsibilities are broken down into different categories, with one or both parents making decisions. The court will decide which parent will make decisions about the child’s education, extra-curricular activities, religion, and medical issues, just to name a few. Ideally, the parents will have worked out a parenting plan which outlines how these decisions will be made. Your family law lawyer Peoria IL clients depend on can help draft the best parenting plan for your family. If parents cannot agree, then the judge will have the final say.

  • The recent law changes also require parents to file that parenting plan within 120 days of filing for divorce and/or child custody. The plan may be filed jointly by both parents or each parent can file their own.
  • Another change to the law addresses the relocation of the parent who has the majority of or equal parenting time. Under the new law, if that parent resides in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will counties, they may move within 25 miles of their residence with asking permission from the court.
  • If the parent lives in any other Illinois county, then they may move up to 50 miles without asking permission from the court.

Children can be very sensitive to heated divorce, and whenever possible, should not be exposed to the blaming and argument that often makes its way into divorce proceedings. A Peoria family law lawyer from Smith & Weer P.C. knows this. We work with clients to maintain peace of mind during divorce proceedings, and we help our clients focus on what’s best for their children.
What you agree upon now has lasting impact on your children, and it is imperative to consider all options in the future. Legal counsel and the judge will opt for the best scenario for the children — who always come first.

Complicated or Hostile Divorces

Mediation can be an excellent solution for many divorcing couples, but it’s not always the best solution.These negotiations may be ineffective in situations where where spouses cannot come to an agreement about their divorce. If you and your former spouse cannot come to an amicable agreement on property divisions, custody, and other important matters, you might want to avoid mediation.

In extenuating circumstances, your attorney may assist you in getting the help you need to protect yourself and your children, and to block your former partner from causing further damage. Your family law lawyer Peoria IL depends upon in such instances can be your greatest support if you are faced with such concerns.

Contact a Family Law Lawyer Peoria IL Residents Recommend P.C. Today

While it is human nature to want to depend on the opinions of loved ones during stressful times, in complex legal matters, they are often unable to provide the timely and pertinent facts you need to resolve your case. When you hire a family law lawyer Peoria IL has to offer to discuss your options in an unbiased but supportive manner, you may find a sense of stability when all else is in flux.

If you are considering divorce, have child custody issues, or are facing any other family law issues, consider meeting with a skilled Peoria family law lawyer from Smith & Weer, P.C. Our legal team has almost forty years of legal experience, representing families just like yours.

When preparing to meet with your family law lawyer Peoria IL offers, you may want to organize your paperwork, bills, communication, payments to schools/extracurricular organizations, and any additional documentation that may be relevant

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a family law lawyer Peoria IL relies on, call Smith & Weer, P.C at (309) 694-6700.

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