Navigating the process of divorce when you are also a parent is among the most difficult things any parent can go through. Protecting your custody rights is crucial to ensure your children’s well-being and maintain a strong and supportive relationship with them. Protecting custody rights begins with being proactive. If you are wondering what to do first, contact a lawyer to lead you through the divorce and Illinois custody process.
What do Illinois Custody Laws Say?
Understanding the framework governing custody in Illinois is important to effectively protect your rights. Under Illinois law, the term “custody” has been replaced with “parental responsibilities,” which includes both decision-making responsibilities and parenting time.
The court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child. To determine the child’s best interests, the court will consider factors like the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to meet those needs, and the child’s relationship with each parent.