Going through a child custody case is one of the most difficult aspects of any divorce, especially when your children are young. Illinois recently underwent changes to its child custody laws, and the state no longer recognizes the language of “child custody.” Instead, under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), courts now allocate “parental responsibilities” instead of awarding child custody. This new language is more flexible, recognizing that different families have different needs when it comes to raising their children.
Child custody cases are never easy, but a Wilmette child custody lawyer can speak with you today about your family’s situation.
What are parental responsibilities? Under the IMDMA, parental responsibilities used to be known as legal custody and physical custody. Now the law sees parental responsibilities as both of the following:
Even though Illinois law has changed the way it defines child custody and visitation, courts still rely on the best interests of the child standard for allocating parental responsibilities. In making a determination about the child’s best interests, the court can consider many different factors, including but not limited to the following:
The statute leaves the court the ability to consider any other factor that it may find relevant in determining what is in the best interests of a child in a custody matter.
Do you have questions or concerns about your child custody case? Determining parental responsibilities can be extremely complicated, and you may disagree with the other parent about what is in your child’s best interests. By working with an experienced Wilmette child custody attorney, you can ensure that you will have a dedicated advocate on your side to present your case to the court. Contact the Law Office of George M. Sanders, P.C. for more information about the services we provide to families in Wilmette, Illinois.