Cook County Family Law Attorneys and Information

Family law refers to areas of law such as divorce, child support, adoption, prenuptial agreements, and child custody. If you are dealing with a family law issue in Lake County, Illinois, we almost always recommend that you hire a Lake County attorney to handle your case or someone who regularly shows up there.

Cook County family law cases fall into three basic divisions: domestic relations, child support, and child protection. Domestic Relations courts hear divorce, child custody, and visitation matters. Child support courts hear all cases involving the payment of support by a parent to the custodial parent. Child protection courts hear all cases of abused or neglected children.

Although all domestic relations complaints must be filed in Room 802 of the Daley Center, Cook County divides its domestic relations courts based on the location of the complainant. If the claim is filed within the City of Chicago, the case will be brought to the Daley Center located in downtown Chicago at 50 W. Washington. There are more than 25 judges who are actively involved in the Daley Center’s Domestic Relations Division. As a result, unlike many smaller counties, Cook County judges are unlikely to develop a familiarity with and opinion of attorneys.

Suburban-based domestic relations claims, although filed in the same division as Chicago claims, are forwarded to the sitting family law judge in that suburb’s district. As a result, this can result in a more localized atmosphere, with judges being charged before certain lawyers.

Child protection cases are heard in the Cook County Juvenile Court, located at 1100 S. Hamilton St. Although governed by family law, proceedings in these matters are generally filed by state representatives. There are over 15 judges hearing child protection cases, of which there are many.

Child support cases, which are filed at 28 N. Clark, are heard in Paternity Court, located in downtown Chicago at 32. W. Randolph. This court is considerably smaller than the domestic relations courts, as there are only 4 judges who hear cases in the Paternity Court.

Although Cook County has a less tight-knit legal community than other districts, in order to provide proper assistance in family law cases, it is probably best to have an attorney who understands the atmosphere surrounding the courts and has some experience dealing with cases. specific. judges In addition, in matters such as child support, the fewer number of judges makes an experienced attorney more likely to become familiar with specific judges.

Anyone going through a legal matter involving family law should contact an experienced Cook County family law attorney to ensure they are represented to their best legal degree.