In a divorce where children are involved, there are a lot of emotions involved. There are also a lot of complexities. Where will the children live? Which parent will make decisions for them? Who pays child support? It can be a time of anxiety for all involved. Children may be scared to move to a new place or switch schools. Parents may be equally anxious as they realize they may not see their children as much as they used to.
There are two main types of child custody in Illinois. Physical custody refers to where the child will live (both parents 50/50 or one parent). Legal custody refers to decision-making authority. Typically, both parents will have legal custody and make decisions about where their child will attend school and what type of medical care they will receive.
It can be difficult for parents to agree on child custody arrangements. This can lead to conflicts and added stress for children. See how a Wilmette child custody attorney can help resolve your conflict.
Typically, there is sole or joint child custody. Sole custody means that one parent has legal responsibility, while joint custody means that the responsibility is shared by both parents. It is common for the parents to share joint legal custody. However, joint physical custody is a little more complicated, as ensuring that children spend their time 50/50 with each parent can be almost impossible, especially if the parents do not live near each other or are in different school districts. Because this is often impractical, courts do not usually award joint physical custody in Illinois.
Ideally, the parents would make custody decisions on their own, since they know their child best. However, this is not always possible. Communication issues can make it hard for parents to come to an agreement. Therefore, it is not uncommon for courts to make the decision. Judges make child custody decisions based on the best interests of the child.
There are many factors involved in the best interests of the child. They include the following:
Child custody can be an emotionally charged issue. There may be disagreements about which parent will get primary custody and there are situations in which one parent will alienate the other from the child.
Dealing with child custody issues? Arami Law, Inc. can help handle these common conflicts. Contact us today for representation in the Chicago area. To get started, call the office or fill out the online form.
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