Compassionate Advocacy For Child Custody And Child Support
Last updated on May 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, the Bell Law Group, to advocate for clients going through a divorce and dealing with child custody and child support legal issues. With offices in Atlanta and Matteson, I help clients in Georgia and Illinois resolve their child custody and child support challenges.
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.
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, health care 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.
Understanding Child Custody Laws In Georgia
Similarly, in Georgia, the court’s primary goal is to protect your child’s well-being. Georgia law divides custody into two distinct categories:
- Legal custody: Legal custody involves decision-making authority for major decisions about your child’s education, health care, religious upbringing and extracurricular activities.
- Physical custody: Physical custody addresses where your child lives.
Georgia law requires a detailed parenting plan that outlines exactly where your child will be during holidays, birthdays and school breaks. Your schedule can provide stability for your child while also respecting parental rights.
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?
Georgia and 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.
Understanding Child Support In Georgia
Georgia also recognizes a parent’s financial obligation to their child. If you live in the Atlanta area, Georgia law uses an income-sharing child support calculation. This method calculates support based on a proportion of the parents’ income that the child would have received if the parents had stayed together. The goal in both states is to reach a fair amount that supports your child’s growth.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Child support payments are calculated on 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.
In either state, courts 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 so you can 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
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. With offices in Matteson and Atlanta, I help clients in Illinois and Georgia.
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.