In the “traditional” world of divorce, mothers are the ones who need the most help, or at least that was the sense of things in the past. Today, the situation is changing. More and more, courts are realizing that a father’s rights matter as well. If you’re about to experience a divorce, and want to ensure that your rights to your children are protected, a Chicago divorce attorney can help.
Visitation
One of the most important rights of a father in a noncustodial situation is visitation. A Chicago divorce attorney will ensure that an equitable visitation schedule is drawn up that provides the minor child with sufficient time with the father. In the instance that the custodial parent attempts to withhold visitation as a form of punishment for a real or perceived infraction, the attorney will also be able to help the father enforce the letter of the divorce decree and protect his visitation rights with his child.
Child Support
Noncustodial fathers might not be part of the household, but they do have a responsibility to support their minor child. This is done through a financial arrangement for child support. A specific amount will be set per week or month. A Chicago divorce attorney will ensure that the amount of child support set is fair to both the father and the child by conducting a thorough evaluation of the father’s current financial situation.
Filing for Custody
Child custody is a hotly debated thing. While the mother is most often awarded custody, that doesn’t mean that fathers cannot win in court. With the help of a skilled Chicago divorce attorney, you can determine if custody is possible, what needs to be done and then proceed with the divorce.
An expert Chicago divorce lawyer can help fathers protect their rights to their children during and after a divorce.