Some family courts across the U.S. – like Texas – routinely place a morality clause in child custody agreements. The theory behind this is to provide stability for children of divorce at a time when their lives may be in upheaval. A morality clause prevents newly single parents from allowing a romantic interest to spend the night when the children are present.
A morality clause can also contain restrictions on alcohol, specific religious observances, and exposure to politics, although these are less common. Also known as a paramour clause, a morality clause can even forbid any guest of the opposite sex from being present during parenting time. A morality clause is meant to address the parent who is apprehensive about their ex-spouse exposing the children to new boyfriends/girlfriends that they may not know well.
The overnight guest morality clause often expires once a couple has been dating for a certain amount of time or is engaged or married. While morality clauses are not routine in Illinois, they are sometimes added to parental agreements like the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time. If your spouse is asking for a morality clause or you want one in your parenting documents, it can be helpful to speak to an experienced Bloomingdale, IL family law attorney.