The majority of Belleville, Illinois, residents may be familiar with common family law terms, but such phrases may seem foreign when applied to real families facing real divorce issues. Understanding key factors used in determining child custody arrangements can help parents gain insight into the process and appreciate their role in it.
More often than not, divorcing parents enter into a child custody dispute because they simply want to do what is best for their kid. The Illinois family law system also has the best interests of the child in mind, and strives to account for it with every decision made. In doing so, the court often prioritizes maintaining a familiar and consistent way of life for the child in question. Consequently, physical custody may be awarded to the parent used to spending the most time with the child, or the decision could be based on whether or not assigning custody to one parent would mean the kid would have to change schools.
The parent with legal custody of their child is allowed to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing and future. Physical custody identifies which parent the child will live with on a regular basis. Custody orders are legally binding and both parties are expected to abide by them at all times. However, people can seek to have their custody arrangement amended under certain circumstances.
Assigning visitation rights ensures that parents without primary custody have reasonable access to their children. Not only are noncustodial parents legally bound to follow their visitation agreement, but parents with primary custody are expected to make their children available under the terms of the schedule.
Navigating child custody guidelines can be complicated. An experienced attorney can help people understand state policies and understand their rights.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “For Divorced Parents: Know Your Child Custody and Visitation Rights,” June 25, 2014
