Illinois child custody laws are very complex. One or both parents are chosen to be responsible for a child’s education, health, religion, and extracurricular activities. A parent may be entitled to make decisions in all four areas of the child’s life, or the court may determine that each parent is responsible for different areas. Determination of decision-making responsibilities is based on the best interests of the child and the court is required to consider many relevant factors, including those outlined by the statute.
A parent who does not have residential custody of a child will typically seek parenting time. In order to make a determination with regard to parenting time, the court is tasked with considering the child’s best interests; however, the list of factors for the court to consider is slightly different from the factors used to determine decision making responsibilities.
Child custody trials can be very stressful, lengthy and costly for everyone involved. The parties are usually involved in providing details about the bad decisions and actions by the other party, which can result in long-term bitterness between parents. The divorce process is traumatic enough for your child, let alone the distress a child custody trial can bring to them. Our firm encourages you to obtain an experienced child custody lawyer who will assist you in negotiation or a trial, if necessary.
The experienced family law attorneys at the Law Firm of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C, serving Libertyville, Lake Country, Waukegan and surrounding areas, know how to make sure your children are protected, not harmed by the divorce. Call us at (847) 599-9101 or email us today to set up your free initial child custody law consultation.
