Understanding Child Custody in Illinois and A Common Mistake Parents Sometimes Make During the Process 

 Posted on December 21,2022 in Child Custody

Deciding to end your marriage and pursue a divorce is rarely easy, especially when children are involved. In divorce cases where spouses have children, they often want to protect them from the stress and uncertainty of divorce while ensuring their lives are affected to the least extent possible. At the same time, parents might be concerned about what effect the divorce will have regarding child custody and their ability to see and be a part of their children's lives. If you are getting a divorce and are concerned about matters related to child custody, consider consulting with a knowledgeable attorney who will ensure your rights are protected while consistently placing the child's best interests at the forefront of every decision. 

Illinois Law Regarding Child Custody Matters

It is important to note that as of 2016, Illinois refers to child custody as the "allocation of parental responsibility." This term speaks to the parent's right to decide about their children's upbringing. The four primary areas where decision-making is relevant are education, health, religion, and extracurricular activities. Each parent may share these matters and the decisions accompanying them, or they may be assigned to one parent only. Generally, issues pertaining to parental responsibility are outlined in a parenting plan created by the parents as part of their divorce decree. In a best-case scenario, parents can lay out their plans for the allocation of parental responsibilities with the assistance of their attorneys or through mediation.

However, sometimes parents cannot work together and reach an agreement. In these cases, a judge will decide what to do. A judge will look at the children's needs, the parent's wishes, the physical and mental health of the parents, how well-adjusted the children are to their environment, the parent's willingness to help foster a positive environment for their children with the other parent, and more. 

A Mistake Parents Make That Hurts Their Child Custody Case

As stated previously, if parents cannot decide amongst themselves or through mediation, a judge will be tasked with making the decisions. Sometimes, parents are unaware that their actions can significantly affect how much time they are awarded with their children. For example, a common mistake parents can make is working too much, which leads to insufficient parenting. It is much easier to say than implement, but the simple fact is that when parents work a lot, it can be hard to request lots of parenting time, even though the parent may desire it. Adjusting your work schedule can give a positive impression to the judge that the parent is willing to change their work life to be there to parent their children. 

Contact an Arlington Heights Child Custody Attorney

Child custody issues can become highly contentious very quickly. To try and secure the most favorable outcome in your case, contact the astute Arlington Heights child custody lawyers with A. Traub & Associates to protect your rights and your child's rights. Call 847-749-4182 today for a complete consultation.

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000