St. Charles Criminal Charges and Child Custody Attorneys

Criminal Charges and Parental Responsibilities Lawyers Serving Kane County

When a child custody or parental responsibilities dispute is being litigated, many things can have a bearing on the outcome. If one of the parents involved is arrested and charged with a crime during the proceedings, that could weigh heavily on the case.

At the Kane County family law firm of Goostree Law Group, we are knowledgeable in all areas of family law. As experienced litigators, our attorneys know how to handle cases involving criminal charges from both sides. We strongly advocate for our clients' interests and the interests of their children.

Criminal Cases and Parental Rights Disputes in Kane County

Disputes regarding child custody, now called the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois, can take a long time to litigate, and it is not uncommon for a parent to face criminal charges prior to a court making a decision in the matter. Depending on the nature of the charges, they may directly influence the court's decision. If, for example, the charges are related to the pending litigation, such as violation of a restraining order or accusations of domestic violence, the judge may hold that against the accused parent when ruling on parental responsibilities. If the charges are minor and are in no way related to the custody litigation, it is possible that the judge may overlook them. Serious charges that could result in jail time or that could call into question the parent's character may also be considered by the court.

If your co-parent is arrested and charged with a crime during child-related proceedings, we can help. We will immediately obtain and review the charging information so that we have all of the facts about the charges. There are a number of ways in which the criminal proceedings can be used against the accused in parental responsibilities determinations, including:

• Evidence of a unsafe household (in cases where the crime occurred at home);
• Evidence of a substance abuse problem (in DUI cases and drug charges);
• Evidence of a violent personality (when charges involve violence such as assault and battery); and
• Evidence of lack of credibility (in cases involving fraud).

If you are arrested and charged with a crime during child custody proceedings, it is important to consult with your attorney right away. Our attorneys have the skills and experience to handle these situations. We will work with you to minimize the negative consequences for your custodial prospects.

Contact Our St. Charles Child Custody Lawyers for Criminal Charges

If your parenting dispute involves criminal charges, contact us at 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We will advocate for your interests during this hectic time and make sure your rights are protected. We work with clients in Kane County as well as the surrounding counties of Northern Illinois.