Question:
I have been in a custody battle that has dragged on for over a year because the case keeps being continued and delays keep coming up.
Can't lawyers and judges be held responsible for these delays? How can I ensure this case is resolved soon?
Answer:
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 922 provides that custody matters in dissolution of marriage and paternity cases must be resolved within 18 months. Written findings are required if the deadline is not met, and extensions of the time limit may only be granted for good cause shown, on written finding by the trial court.
Depending on the complexity of the specific facts and circumstances involved in your case, additional time beyond the 18 months may be required to reach a resolution.
An attorney experienced in handling custody cases should be aware of this Supreme Court Rule and the specific time constraints involved in custody cases.
If your are concerned about the speed with which your case is progressing, you should raise these concerns to your attorney and engage your lawyer in discussions regarding the strategy and expected timetable for resolution of this case.
Cordell & Cordell has men's divorce lawyers across the country, including Illinois.
Erin Brockhoff is an Associate Attorney in the Belleville, IL office of Cordell & Cordell where she practices domestic relations exclusively. Ms. Brockhoff is licensed in the state of Illinois, and the Southern and Northern Districts of Illinois. Ms. Brockhoff received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Psychology, magna cum laude, from Miami University. She received her Juris Doctor from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.
