Family Law

Domestic Violence Injunctions control and even prohibit contact with your family or household members. Since these injunctions can be permanent and create a potential for future criminal charges, you should speak to an attorney about the petition before the scheduled hearing. All of our attorneys handle Domestic Violence Injunction cases. Protect your legal rights by calling Jacobson, McClean, Chmelir & Ferwerda today.

Divorce and Paternity
Divorce proceedings can be started by either side and are considered contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can be completed quickly provided both sides are in agreement. A contested divorce often includes problem areas such as determining child custody, child support and financial issues. Please contact our office for a free consultation regarding these matters.
Paternity actions are started when one party wants the courts to determine who the father is of a minor child, along with setting up visitation and child support. These actions can be complicated and are often difficult for people to do without attorneys. Please contact our office to make and appointment regarding your situation.

Divorce Modifications
After a divorce has become final, parties often have issues that arise and terms that need to be changed. These modification actions normally address child support and visitation. For more information, please contact our office for a free consultation.

Child Custody
Issues regarding custody may be handled by petitioning the court to determine custody and visitation. Also, changes in custody may be made even after a final judgement of custody has been entered. Please contact our office regarding your situation.

Child Support Matters
Nonpayment of child support or overpayment of child support may be handled through the court after divorce, paternity or custody suits. Motions for contempt of court are regularly filed for child support matters and can result in the suspension of the nonpaying party's drivers license. For more information, please contact our office for a free consultation.

Family Law Mediator
Amanda R. Jacobson is a Certified Family Law Mediator who can assist you in resolving all family law matters prior to, during or after court proceedings. Mediation is an essential tool in negotiating a settlement that the clients can control once they have reached an agreement.

Juvenile Delinquency & Dependency
Juvenile delinquency cases occur when a minor child is charged with a crime. These cases are handled in juvenile court and include different rights than adult criminal charges. Your child has specific time limits on how long he/she can be detained. For more information about your child's rights, please contact our office for a free consultation.
Dependency cases occur when the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) remove your child from your custody and place the child in a shelter, due to the threat of abuse, abandonment or neglect. Your rights to custody of your child may be in jeopardy in a dependency matter and obtaining legal representation is very important. Please contact our office to make an appointment regarding your situation.