Services

DCFS

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is responsible in Illinois to investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. When someone calls DCFS, DCFS decides whether the person calling the hotline has reasonable cause to believe a child under 18 has been abused or neglected and the report meets the factors determined by the state to be accepted as a child abuse and neglect report. If DCFS decides to take the reported abuse, he or she gets more information about the case, and the information constitutes a report of child abuse or neglect. The next step is a DCFS investigation.

If DCFS decides that there is credible evidence that you have abused or neglected a child, it designates the case as “indicated.” An indicated report goes into the permanent DCFS record called the Central Registry.  Persons who are “indicated” by a DCFS report have a right to appeal the finding that the report was indicated. The best line of defense against a possible DCFS investigation is to contact a lawyer who understands Illinois law in regards to a DCFS Investigation.  Coady Law Group aggressively defends clients against DCFS allegation.  If you are being investigated by DCFS, contact our office to set up a consultation.

Adoption

Adoption is a judicial process in where there is a creation of the parent-child relationship between individuals who are not naturally related.  The adopted child is given the rights, privileges, and duties of a child and heir by the adoptive family.  One of the biggest fears that plague adoptive parents is the risk that the birth parents may change their minds about the adoption.  The laws and regulations governing adoption are extremely complex and every adoption case is unique.

At Coady Law Group, we understand that adopting a new member into your family is an exciting and stressful undertaking.  With so much at stake, it is imperative to have dependable, experienced legal counsel to guide you through the adoption process.   Our firm is able to handle adoptions in any county in the State of Illinios.  We helps clients in all types of adoptions including:

• Private adoptions
• Newborns and infants
• Foster children
• Adult adoptions
• International “re-adoptions”
• Related child adoptions, such as stepchildren

Ask us about our flat rates for uncontested adoptions.  We understand that adoption can be expensive.  We have payment plans available for all of your adoption needs.  

Guardianship

A guardianship is a legal process appointing a “competent adult” (guardian) to be responsible for the care, custody, and control of a child or disabled adult.  A guardian has the duty and right to act on behalf of the individual, making decisions affecting their daily living arrangements, medical care, education, and social activities.  Coady Law Group works with families to assist them in the process of obtaining guardianship over their loved ones and protecting their legal rights and interest.  There are often many questions regarding guardianship, and we hope the following FAQs will help you navigate through the process.

Who can be a guardian?
You do not need to have a “blood” relationship to a disabled adult or child to serve as his or her guardian.  To have standing to petition the court as a guardian you must meet the following criteria: 

- 18 years old or older
- Resident of the United States
- Of sound mind
- Not found to be disabled
- Not been convicted of a felony
- Capable and willing to provide a safe and suitable environment for the child or disabled adult

How is a guardian appointed?
To ensure a proper guardian is found for a child or disabled adult, the court takes steps to ensure that guardians are properly screened.  The first step is the filing of a petition with the court asking that a guardian be appointed.  After a petition is filed a guardian ad litem is appointed for the ward (the minor child or disabled adult).  The guardian ad litem is a court appointed representative (usually an attorney) that interviews the parties, the ward, and other witnesses and reports to the court with recommendations as to the best interest of the ward. 

What is short-term guardianship?
The parent(s) or custodian of a minor child may appoint someone to take care of his or her child on a short-term basis (up to one year) without the necessity of going to court. 

Can I appoint a guardian to take care of my child if I should die?
Parents can nominate a guardian of their children in their will and in certain circumstances in a “stand-by” adoption.  Appointment of permanent guardianship is not automatic and requires court approval.  While the best interest of the minor child(ren) is always the court’s primary concern, courts do give consideration to the wishes of the parent.  Parents can also name a Trustee to manage assets left to a minor child in their will without the necessity of court involvement.