Illinois law takes parental rights very seriously. The state views both parents as essential to the child’s life and development, mother and father in equal measure. By default, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities to the child. Courts do not look kindly on a parent who tries to undermine the parental rights of the other.
However, sometimes a court will terminate the rights of a parent. This is a serious legal procedure that ends a parent’s right to his or her child. Sometimes it is initiated by a parent voluntarily, and sometimes it is involuntary. This article will discuss parental rights termination and when it occurs. Consult an Illinois parental rights attorney with any questions about parental rights or obligations.
What Are Parental Rights?
Parents have a right to physical custody of their child, known in Illinois law as “parenting time.” Both parents have an equal right to physical custody by default.