Father Seeks Child Custody

Summary

Father in Illinois seeks to regain custody of his 4-year-old daughter after her grandparents obtained guardianship without his knowledge. Despite providing evidence of his involvement in his daughters life, he faces delays in court-appointed attorney assignment and communication issues with the court. He is awaiting a court hearing on August 30, 2023, and considering hiring a private attorney to expedite the process.

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romeo ****
romeo
Hello ****, how can I assist you with your legal issue today?
my Childs mother is deceased & her parents went and got guardianship over my daughter behind her back
What state are you currently residing in? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information.
illinois
What type of custody arrangement did you have prior to the mother's passing?
my daughter was suppose to come and live with me after the passing but instead she went and got guardianship without my knowledge 7days after my child’s mother death
What is the age of your daughter? In Illinois, a child over * can choose their guardian, but if she's under *, you may have a case.
4years old
What steps have you taken so far to regain custody of your daughter?

- In Illinois, biological parents have priority over grandparents for guardianship unless it's not in the child's best interest.
- Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
we got the paternity test done to eatable paternity and get on the birth certificate now we’re in probate court to end guardianship fortifications
What is the current status of your case in the probate court?

- In Illinois, termination of guardianship requires a court order.
- Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
were awaiting interviews with a probable lawyer and we go back to court on aug * but yet to get any visitation or anything
What is the name of the lawyer you are planning to interview?

- In Illinois, it's important to have a lawyer who specializes in family law.
- Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
I’m not sure it is a court appointed judge that’s suppose to reach out to both parties to conduct
Have you been assigned a court-appointed attorney or are you seeking private representation?

- In Illinois, you have the right to a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one.
- Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
I have not been appointed a court attorney yet still waiting for them to reach out
What is the date when you applied for a court-appointed attorney?

- In Illinois, it can take some time for a court-appointed attorney to be assigned.
- Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
the last court date was July * and the judge told me that someone would be reaching out for interviews
Have you followed up with the court since July * to inquire about the status of your court-appointed attorney?

- In Illinois, it's advisable to follow up if there's a delay.
- Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
Yes followed up with them July 31st and still haven’t heard back but the grandparents already have there appointed probono lawyer
What is the name of the court where your case is being handled?
daley center cook county Court
What was the response when you followed up with the court on July 31st?

- Daley Center Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
the judge told us that we would have to wait and that someone would email me before august * which is the next court date
Have you received any email communication from the court or the appointed attorney since your last follow-up?

- Daley Center Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
no haven’t received anything!
Have you checked your spam or junk email folders to ensure the court's communication didn't end up there?
Yes nothing ????
Have you considered reaching out to the court again for an update on your court-appointed attorney?

- Daley Center Cook County Court, * W. Washington St., Chicago, IL *, (*) *-*.
I’ve tried everything I can’t even get anyone on the phone !
Have you tried reaching out to the court in person or via written communication?
yes I guess I’ll just still have to wait cuz that’s all they keep saying
What is the name of the judge handling your case? This might help in reaching out to the court for an update.
Judge Ames Elizabeth Alonso
Amee
amee Elizabeth alonso
amee
Hello?
What is the full name of the judge handling your case?
Amee Elizabeth Alonso
What is the name of the grandparents' pro bono lawyer?
Law office of George j Skuos
What is the current status of your relationship with the grandparents?
non existent they blocked me from calling them and blocked me from calling my daughters iPad I have no communication with them
the grandparents are showing signs of malice the relationship was good until I found out about the guardianship now they have blocked me from all communication
Have you reported this lack of communication to the court? In Illinois, blocking a parent from communicating with their child can be considered a form of parental alienation.
yes nothing is being done I haven’t talked to my daughter in a year and have no way to get in touch with the grandparents
yes I have reported it and nothing is being done
What evidence have you provided to the court to support your claim of being blocked from communicating with your daughter?
in the court motion i told them what was going on and also sent in exhibits of text messages for evidence
What was the court's response to the evidence you provided? In Illinois, parental alienation is taken seriously and can impact custody decisions.
That’s when they told us that we would have to wait on the interview from the lawyers just get some visitation
What is the date of your next court hearing?
July * *
july *
What is the year of your next court hearing?
*
What is the current date?
august *, *
august *
What is the current status of your relationship with your daughter?
I’ve been in my daughters life as a new born I sent in pictures of that as well before her mom passed we was sharing custody I had my daughter */4 days out the week
What steps have you taken to document your previous involvement in your daughter's life?
I have unlimited pictures videos & text messages between me & the mom
Have you submitted these pictures, videos, and text messages as evidence to the court?
Yes
What was the court's response to the evidence you submitted showing your involvement in your daughter's life?
no response only response is waiting on these lawyers to reach out
Have you considered hiring a private attorney to expedite the process?

In Illinois, hiring a private attorney can often speed up the process and provide more personalized attention to your case.