Compassionate Advocacy For Child Custody And Child Support In Matteson, Illinois

Last updated on August 11, 2026

One of the important aspects of most divorce proceedings is to secure the well-being of your child. When contemplating the split of one household into two, envisioning child custody can strike fear into your heart. It is normal to worry that your parent-child relationship will suffer or be threatened. It’s also normal to worry about how your divorce will affect your child emotionally. These concerns are common and understandable.

An experienced and compassionate child custody attorney can help keep you from getting overwhelmed by the process. My name is Sahara Bell, and I am a child custody lawyer. I founded my firm, Bell Law Group, to advocate for clients going through a divorce and dealing with child custody and child support legal issues. From my Matteson office, I help families throughout the south suburbs of Chicago navigate these challenging times with clarity and confidence.

Serving Families Throughout The South Suburbs Of Chicago

My Matteson office is strategically located to serve families in Cook County and Will County. I work with clients from communities including Richton Park, Park Forest, Olympia Fields, Frankfort, Tinley Park and the surrounding areas. You don’t have to travel downtown to get experienced legal representation. I bring big-firm expertise with a personal touch right here in your community.

When you work with me, you get direct access to an attorney who genuinely cares about your family’s outcome. I don’t pass your case off to paralegals or junior associates. From your first consultation through your final court date, I personally handle your custody and support matters. This hands-on approach means you always know what’s happening with your case, and I always understand the nuances of your situation.

Considerate Guidance From An Experienced Child Custody Lawyer

As a child of divorced parents, I am uniquely sensitive to the issues of child custody and support. With firsthand experience, I know how a divorce can impact children who often have little understanding of what is happening. For a child, going through a divorce has the potential to be a destabilizing experience.

As a divorce lawyer, I work with my clients to provide compassionate legal support to manage these delicate issues. In doing so, I will keep your child’s best interests in mind. However, I will also prioritize the protection of your parental rights. Together, we will set goals, and I will fight to achieve your objectives as we negotiate and resolve custody and child support issues.

Why Choose A Local Matteson Attorney For Your Custody Case?

Choosing a lawyer who practices in your community offers distinct advantages. I understand the local court system in Cook County and Will County. I know the judges, the court procedures and what works in these courtrooms. This familiarity helps me advocate more effectively for you and your children.

I also understand the practical realities of raising children in the south suburbs. I know the school districts, the childcare options and the community resources available to families. This local knowledge helps me craft parenting plans that actually work for your daily life. Not just on paper, but in practice.

Many parents worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. I offer flexible payment options because I believe everyone deserves quality legal representation during a divorce. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your budget and create a fee structure that works for your situation. My goal is to remove financial barriers so you can protect your parental rights without added stress.

Understanding Child Custody Laws In Illinois

In the state of Illinois, child custody and visitation are referred to as parenting time and the allocation of parental responsibility:

• Parental responsibility: Parental responsibility refers to decision-making authority regarding major areas of the child’s life. These decisions include education, religion, healthcare and extracurricular activities. This right may be held by both parents jointly or by only one parent solely.
• Parenting time: Parenting time addresses where the child will reside. It may also be decided on a joint (shared) basis, or one parent may have sole physical possession of the child. Where parenting time is shared or equally split, parents must create a time-sharing plan that the court approves.

Courts in Illinois make decisions based on the best interests of the child. It is generally believed that children do best with continuing and frequent contact with both parents. Thus, courts usually favor joint parenting time.

Navigating High-Conflict Custody Situations

Not all divorces proceed smoothly. When you face a high-conflict custody battle, you need an attorney who won’t back down. I have experience handling cases involving allegations of abuse, substance use, mental health concerns and parental alienation. These cases require careful documentation, strategic planning and aggressive advocacy when necessary.

I work closely with child psychologists, custody evaluators and other professionals when your case demands it. Building a strong evidentiary record protects your rights and demonstrates to the court that you’re acting in your child’s best interests. I’ll help you gather the documentation you need and present it effectively to the judge.

When Do Courts Consider Awarding Custody To One Parent?

While courts generally favor joint custody or parenting time, every family situation is unique. In cases where a child’s safety may be at risk, courts may award sole physical custody to one parent. For example, if a parent has a history of family violence or substance abuse, the court will consider awarding sole physical custody or parenting time to only one parent.

I am a dedicated child custody attorney who will always advocate for your child’s best interests and your child custody goals. You can rely on me to ensure that your voice is heard in court and that your child’s voice is heard.

How Does The Court Decide What Is In The Best Interests Of The Child?

Illinois courts do not automatically favor one parent over the other. Instead, judges look at several factors to decide what will promote your child’s happiness and development. They examine the emotional ties between you and your child, your ability to provide a stable home, and your mental and physical health. The court also considers which parent is more likely to encourage a positive relationship with the other parent.

What Happens If One Parent Denies Visitation To The Other Parent?

When a co-parent ignores a court order and denies your visitation, you can file a motion to enforce your rights. They can be held in contempt of court. A judge may order make-up parenting time, fine the other parent or even order jail time for repeat offenses. In some cases, a pattern of denying visitation can lead the court to change the primary custody arrangement to protect your child’s well-being.

Understanding Child Support In Illinois

Under Illinois family law, a parent has a financial obligation to their child. It doesn’t matter if the parents are married, divorced or have never been married. When parents separate or divorce, it is common that one parent will pay the other parent child support. State guidelines determine the amount of support. Generally, the payor is the noncustodial parent who spends less time with the child.

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child support payments are calculated using a state formula using a percentage of the payor’s net income. How much a payor will be required to pay will be based on the number of children needing support. For example, if two children need support, the support payment will be 28% of the payor’s net income.

Courts in Illinois have the authority to deviate from these calculations based on your family’s circumstances. I can help you figure out a support plan that works for you and your child. Child support payments should be fair. I also understand that it is important to establish child support in a timely manner.

Can Child Support Cover College?

Generally, your legal duty to pay child support ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school. However, you can negotiate financial support for college tuition in a settlement. Once your settlement agreement is submitted to the court, it will be enforceable. Addressing these costs early helps you plan for your child’s future without legal surprises down the road.

Can Child Support Cover Extracurricular Activities?

Standard child support calculations cover basic needs like food, housing and clothing. However, the judge has discretion to consider your child’s extracurricular activities. This includes costs for travel sports, music lessons or summer camps. The judge will look at whether these activities are appropriate for your child and if both parents can afford them. A child support order should reflect the reality of your child’s lifestyle and interests so they can continue to thrive.

Consult A Child Custody And Support Lawyer In Matteson

Establishing child support and securing child custody can be complicated, not to mention contentious. It is extremely important to get things right the first time. Let me be your advocate and provide you with the compassionate legal guidance that you deserve. I serve families throughout the south suburbs of Chicago and surrounding Illinois communities from my Matteson office.

To schedule a confidential consultation or to find out more about how I can help you with your divorce, you can send me a message using my online contact form. You can also reach me by calling (708) 512-5575 to set up an appointment. I look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how I can help you with your case.