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Your current state is Ohio
In Illinois, can my ex-spouse request a drastic modification in parenting time, changing from every other weekend to joint custody, solely through a closing argument brief in trial court? We have a temporary agreed parenting plan that has been in place for approximately one year and is working... View More 
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Illinois, modifying parenting time requires filing a formal motion with the court; it cannot be accomplished solely through a closing argument in a trial. The court will assess any proposed changes based on the child's best interests, considering factors such as each parent's wishes,... View More
I am worried about my child's severe medical needs being neglected by the father, despite a court order in our Final Divorce Decree to communicate through the Talking Parent app and share medical decision rights. Out of 300 messages I've sent over two years, the father has opened only 20%... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2025
You can file a motion to modify in suit affecting the parent-child relationship. The fact that the divorce court judge has already found it necessary for you two to communicate through the Talking Parent app indicates the judge is already aware that you two have communication problems. 300... View More
I have joint legal custody of my 11-year-old son according to a custody agreement established in Virginia, where I have him every other weekend. However, my ex, who lives next door, sometimes keeps him from coming over, especially when she's upset with me, or sends him elsewhere. This behavior... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It sounds like your ex’s actions are causing emotional harm to your son, which is a serious concern. Since you have joint legal custody, your ex is required to follow the custody agreement. If she is preventing your son from coming over or sending him elsewhere without a valid reason, this could... View More
I have started a process for an order of protection through a family safety agency and am seeking legal assistance for court representation and a custody dispute. My ex-husband has been surveilling my property multiple times a week. Although he hasn’t been served with the protection order, he... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It’s good that you’ve started the process for an order of protection and are seeking legal assistance. Given the harassment and surveillance you’re facing, it’s important to document everything, including dates, times, and details of each incident. This will help build your case when... View More
I am 15 years old and have been living with my stepmom since I was 13. I have lived with my biological mother off and on for the past 7 years, and she currently has custody. She is dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, and mania, and wants me to move back in with her to help her clean and for... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
This is for the family court to determine. They will take your best interests into account, and appoint a gaurdian ad litem to represent your views to the court.
I relocated from Florida to Georgia with my child's other parent's consent, given via text message. However, during a recent court hearing regarding our parenting plan, my agreement wasn't recognized, and the magistrate ruled against me, claiming I didn't inform him of the move.... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To object to the ruling, you’ll first want to file a motion to reconsider or a motion for a new hearing with the court. In your motion, clearly explain that you have evidence, such as text messages, showing that the other parent consented to the move. Emphasize that this evidence was not... View More
I have been placed on the state record for child neglect by DCFS due to an incident involving my oldest child’s mother. During a custody exchange, a confrontation occurred when I lowered her phone as she tried to record my fiancé. My ex started hitting me, pulling my hair, and scratching me. I... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To challenge the child neglect record in Illinois, you’ll want to first gather all evidence that supports your version of events. This includes any discrepancies between witness statements, police reports, and court testimony. If you believe the officer's statement was inaccurate, try to get... View More
I want to divorce my partner, but I don't have any money saved up. We have two children; one is an adult, and I'm seeking custody of the younger child. We have property and other assets, which are in my partner's name only. I'm currently living in our marital home and would like... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
Here is an excellent place to become familiar with the process and some resources. https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx. Some attorneys are willing to work with you as far as payment plans. There is a possibility your partner may be responsible for some or all of your attorney's... View More
I am a single mother seeking a pro bono lawyer to help me in court to revise my child support and custody agreement. My child's father, whom I consider a narcissist, currently pays child support that is too low to meet our needs, and he has custody on weekends while I have none. There have... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
I understand how difficult it must be to navigate custody and support issues while trying to make sure your child's needs are met. In Massachusetts, there are a number of resources that offer free legal assistance for individuals in situations like yours. You may want to start by contacting... View More
I have two children, and currently, one is living with me and the other with my ex-girlfriend. We have no custody agreements in place, though she has legal rights. This arrangement has been in place for one week. If I leave my child with my mom or a babysitter, can my ex come and take him from... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Without a formal custody agreement in place, both parents typically have equal rights to the child. This means your ex could legally take the child from a babysitter or your mom, as there is no court order defining custody or visitation rights. California law generally assumes that both parents... View More
I have been engaged to my fiancé for six years, and during this time, we have been caring for his three daughters from a previous relationship. The children's mother and her partner struggled with drug issues, and 5.5 years ago, they left the children with us for their wellbeing. Although I... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
Your situation is heartbreaking and complex, especially with so much responsibility falling on you and your fiancé for so long. Because there have been no formal custody proceedings, the mother may technically still have parental rights. However, her long absence, history of drug use, and lack of... View More
I am involved in court proceedings with my child's other parent in New York. The other parent has temporary visitation and is supposed to contact my child through a specific parental app at a set time, as directed by the court order. However, they frequently call at different times and use... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
You should file a combined contempt and enforcement petition coupled with a change of custody It is not in the best interests of the child to sleep with her father. I’d contact the attorney for the child because if there is one a pitiful. For change coming from the attorney for the child... View More
I am involved in a custody case where I have screen shots showing that the other parent calls our child at unauthorized times using an app not mentioned in the court order. He currently has temporary visitation rights. My child has expressed fear, stating that the other parent stares at her, sleeps... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To address the safety concerns in custody court, you should start by presenting the screenshots showing the unauthorized calls and the app that was used outside the court order. This evidence can demonstrate that the other parent is not following the agreed-upon visitation schedule. It's... View More
I need a lawyer to appear on my behalf in a civil court case involving a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) in Bexar County, Texas. The hearing is scheduled for next week, and it's an emergency hearing requesting relief for the safety and well-being of my child. The case... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To secure legal representation quickly for your SAPCR hearing in Bexar County, your best option is to start by contacting local family law attorneys who can assist with emergency matters. Since your hearing is scheduled for next week, time is crucial, so look for lawyers who offer urgent... View More
I have a custody agreement that allows me to have contact with my daughter, who is 16 years old. However, her stepdad has been interfering by taking her phone for long periods and impersonating her during our communications. There has been ongoing manipulation and I've taken them to court... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Yes, it is possible that the stepfather’s actions could be illegal, depending on the nature of the communication and how it interferes with your rights as a parent. Impersonating your daughter or preventing you from communicating with her could be considered a violation of your custody agreement,... View More
My ex has submitted a case file regarding advocating parental rights without using our daughter's legal name in Douglas County, Castle Rock, Colorado. There are no existing court orders or previous legal agreements between us. I have not yet been served with the papers, which my ex has elected... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In most cases, omitting your daughter's legal name in a filing could be seen as a procedural error rather than a reason to dismiss the entire case. Courts usually allow for corrections or amendments to be made to such errors, as long as it doesn’t affect the substance of the case. It is... View More
I want to oppose a motion for emergency expedited hearing filed by my children's father, who claims I am attempting to remove the children from the county and have violated our parenting plan. I informed him of my relationship according to our plan (no introduction of significant others before... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To oppose the motion for an emergency hearing, you will need to focus on the facts that demonstrate you have complied with the parenting plan and acted in good faith. Begin by outlining that you followed the required 48-hour notice for introducing a significant other, which you communicated clearly... View More
I currently have a shared custody arrangement with my child's father, where our son spends two weeks with each parent. Recently, DCF visited my son to inquire about his father and his father's girlfriend. There was an incident where the girlfriend cut herself, and it's unclear if it... View More
answered on Apr 10, 2025
At this point, I do not think you have enough information to proceed. You need to contact DCF for more information. its possible there could be another explanation why the girlfriend cut herself. A judge will want to know that to determine if the child is in danger.
What motion should I file for an emergency custody situation? I have shared custody of my son with his father, where my son stays with each of us for two weeks alternately. Recently, the father's girlfriend was hospitalized after cutting herself, though it's unclear if this was a suicide... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In an emergency situation like this, you can file a motion for emergency custody with the court to temporarily change your son’s living arrangements. This motion is typically filed when you believe that your child’s safety or well-being is at risk, such as in cases involving domestic violence... View More
I am 16 years old and currently living with my grandmother in Alabama after being removed from my mother's care in Texas due to domestic violence and poor living conditions. Although I was placed with my grandmother, I am unsure if she has legal custody or if my mother retains control over... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
First, it’s important to find out who currently has legal custody of you. If your grandmother has custody, she would generally have the legal authority to make decisions about where you live, but it’s crucial to confirm this. Since you were removed from your mother’s care due to safety... View More
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