Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois
Child Custody battle
I am a sngl mom of a 16 y/o. In Feb of '06 I snt him to hs dad's home bcause he got involved w/bad group. This was on a temporary basis until he got bk on trk. Last month his dad filed for custody b'cause he no lngr wnts to py chld support. He went into crt while I was in the hosp. and presented a ltr I signed to get my son into the new school giving temp. phys. cust. The judge granted temp. cust. to him. I am still the sole cust. holder. I filed a MTV & we wnt before the judge last wk. Dad now claims he wnts no support, just my boy. I wnt to brng my boy back home with me. I hv hd my son since he was born and I am a wonderful mom. I hv alwys had an open-visitation rule w/regard to dad seeing him. My son hit a crazy teenage moment & snding him there was best for him at the time. He's in a position to come home & his dad doesnt wnt him to. I know ths is all because of him not wnting to pay child sprt. Dad and I were nvr married. I feel as if my boy is being snatched from me because I made a decision to keep him safe. Dad knew this was temporary, but he has a lawyer trying to fight me and I can't afford one. PLEASE help me. Tell me what I can do to get my boy back home with me.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Child Custody battle
You clearly know what is needed. You must go to court and argue for continued permanent custody of your son. You can either do that yourself or hire an attorney. Unfortunately there is no short cut or getting around the legal requirements.
Re: Child Custody battle
If your son is 16, this is only going to be an issue for less than 24 months. No matter how much money or time you put into this.
In any case, you really need a lawyer to go over your options. Cost may be an issue, but it depends on how important this is to you.
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