My soon to be husband has been trying to get some type of visitation rights to see his 5 year old daughter and her mother makes it so hard to do. There is no court ordered custody but we would like to get joint custody so my husband can actually be a father. As of right now she is only allowed, by her mothers rules, to see him when it is convienient for her and if he wants to spend the night with his daughter it has to be at her house, under her roof. He is a good father but we can not afford a child custody attorney….is there any free services in the Cook County Chicago area that can help us?
Do some research and see what you guys can do on your own before reaching out to a lawyer. I realized very quickly that lawyers, while they do help out in court, really just take your money for work you can do on your own. Including the write up of certain documents.
Check out this website (free) for some GREAT information to help out Dad’s in court cases. Or to establish custody. www.deltabravo.net. (Check the articles section)
Also, as you start all of this, documentation is key. Keep track of what’s been said, document the way things are going right now, and keep a log.
Honestly, the visitation agreement right now is foolish. He should absolutely NOT have to sleep over her house in order to see his daughter for an overnight visit. A judge would agree to that as well.
If they live within 15 minutes of one another, I’d say you’re husband should be entitled to 50/50 joint custody.
A judge would request you guys try for mediation first anyways. So I say you try all this first, before seeking an attorney. However, consultations are usually free so it can’t hurt to see what a lawyer has to say.
Check out the website I gave above though, as it does have good information to get you started. Good luck!
