Four Tips for Hinsdale Parents Hoping to Get Parental Responsibilities 

 Posted on March 04, 2022 in Family Law

Managing issues associated with parenting during your Illinois divorce can severely test a divorcee’s patience. Nevertheless, parents must try to work together to create a parenting plan that lays out how parental responsibilities and parenting time will be allocated. 

Courts expect both parents to be involved in their child’s life unless there is a good reason for them not to be. However, the actions and behavior of each parent can influence a court’s final decision regarding the authority to make important decisions on behalf of a child. Even if parents create a comprehensive parenting plan together, a court will still have to approve it. Here are some tips for ensuring you put yourself in a strong position to be awarded parental responsibilities. 

Keep the Focus on the Children

When a parent cannot keep the spotlight off of themselves or their priorities, courts may see these behaviors as a red flag that the parent does not have the maturity or perspective to put the children first. If one parent seeks the majority of parenting time or parental responsibilities without good reason, or unfairly tries to demonize the other parent, such a strategy will likely backfire. Judges want the focus to be on the children’s best interests at all times. 

Do Not Assume You Will Get Your Preferred Outcome

Illinois law has had many reforms in recent years to help place the burden of raising children on both parents. For many reasons, whether due to preference, disposition, or employment, mothers still often receive the majority of parenting time. But no outcome is guaranteed, and mothers who act with arrogance or who seem to believe that only they know what is best for the children may not make a strong case for their competency. In the same vein, fathers should not give up pursuing access to the children simply because they assume mothers will get full parental time and responsibilities. 

Do Not Use the Children to Fight With Your Spouse

Illinois judges have seen the worst of it when it comes to parents who use the children as cudgels to get at each other. Judges are constantly on the alert for parents whose priority is to pursue interpersonal conflict rather than the children’s best interests. While parents should alert the court to serious concerns about their spouse if necessary, personal disagreements should be kept to a minimum. 

Keep Your Emotions in Check

After years of fighting and resentment, parents often find it difficult to control their emotions during court hearings about parenting arrangements. But outbursts of emotion, especially anger, can make a parent appear out of control and even dangerous. Remain calm and rational and seek therapy or coaching if necessary. 

Call a Hinsdale, IL Parental Responsibilities Lawyer

If you are getting divorced and worried that your parental rights may be at risk, schedule a free consultation with an experienced Hinsdale parental responsibilities attorney with Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio. We advocate assertively for our clients and provide perspective and coaching throughout the divorce process so they are strongly positioned for a favorable outcome. Call us today at 630-920-8855 to learn more.

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+VI&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8675000&SeqEnd=12200000