The most challenging part of the divorce process almost always includes reaching an agreement regarding child custody and responsibility arrangements. No parent enjoys discussing a topic that includes a period of absence from their child’s life. For Illinois residents, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act favors the idea that a child ultimately benefits from the involvement of both parents in their life. If the court determines it is in the best interest of the child, parents may enjoy sharing time with their children every few days or every other week. On the other hand, a court may decide that sole physical custody should belong to one parent while offering the other parent a reasonable right to visitation. Is the decision random, or are there certain factors that influence the outcome?
Under the current laws, Illinois determines not only with whom the child resides, but also who has the decision-making responsibilities. The authority is not necessarily granted to one person or even divided evenly between the two. A judge carefully considers all information surrounding the circumstances assigns responsibility to each parent according to what they determine to be in the best interest of the child. The four main areas of significant decision-making responsibilities include:
Similarly to the parenting responsibilities, judges determine a parenting schedule according to their belief of what is in the best interest of the child. Additionally, the current laws entitle a parent without decision making authorities to a reasonable parenting schedule. Factors involved in determining the allotment of parenting time include, but are not limited to:
If you are considering divorce or currently exploring the options available for your situation, it is essential to retain the assistance of an experienced DuPage County child custody attorney. The regulations regarding family law are continually changing and evolving. The Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio can not only help determine the best course of action but also guide you through the process and fight for your rights every step of the way. Every case is unique and requires a personalized discussion with the most up-to-date legal information. Schedule your free initial consultation today by contacting our office at 630-920-8855.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+VI&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8350000&SeqEnd=10200000