Elk Grove Village, IL asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Illinois

Q: The mother of my two children up and left without notice, not sure she is coming back. What can I do?

We are not together, we have never been married and have no custody agreement, and not the first time she has done this.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Dean Wilhelm Taradash
PREMIUM
Dean Wilhelm Taradash
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Chicago, IL
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: How long has she been gone? Are the children with you? If yes, get a Petition on file asap.

Mrs. Lucinda D. Bugden
Mrs. Lucinda D. Bugden
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • ROCKFORD, IL
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: You should file a Family case in the county where you reside. You are going to have to have her "served" with the complaint by a sheriff's deputy or a private process server. Go to Illinois legal online to learn your rights & to help you file the petition. If you hire an attorney, they will draft the legal pleadings for you. I recommend talking to an attorney and not using online services as they will send you a generic form, where an attorney can create a pleading which includes the specifics of your case. If you do not know her address, check with the police to see if they can locate your children through their school records. Under Illinois law, if a parent takes the children away from the other parent for 1 week, it is the crime of kidnapping. Possible the local States Attorney's office may assist you in locating your family.

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