Courts in Illinois generally presume that a child’s best interests are met when they can spend equal amounts of time with both parents. However, even in situations where that is possible, there is usually a “residential parent” with whom the child spends most of their time, while the other parent has some form of visitation rights with the child.
Visitation, also referred to as “parenting time” in Illinois, is a schedule that provides a noncustodial parent the opportunity to spend time with their child. Our experienced firm could help you understand the visitation process, including important information regarding the specific details of visitation in your unique case.
Just as no two children are alike and no two families share the exact same characteristics, each parenting time schedule in Will County is also unique. Understanding how visitation works may be an important part of anticipating how it might affect your family and your relationship with your child.
When courts look at aspects of a divorce involving children, they endeavor to make decisions based on the best interests of the child. Determining parenting time is no different. Some of the factors a court might consider when determining parenting time, as listed in 750 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/602.5(c), include:
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and a visitation attorney could review many more factors that may affect the parenting time and visitation rights awarded in your divorce.
You should also be aware that some of the factors used in determining visitation are somewhat subjective. Understanding how these factors affect visitation schedules may help you and your spouse create a unique parenting time plan that fits your family.
In some circumstances, traditional visitation may not meet the specific needs of your child. If one parent is struggling with substance abuse or has a history of behavior that could be detrimental to a child’s well-being, the court may mandate supervised visitation until these circumstances change.
It is important to approach visitation—and all areas of child custody—in a productive and proactive manner. Keep in mind that the focus needs to be on your child’s best interests, and not necessarily those of yourself, your spouse, or the court.
Your child’s health, safety, and well-being are all important considerations. If circumstances arise that require visitation to be part of your divorce settlement, our dedicated visitation lawyers could help you navigate the nuances of custody law in Will County.
If you have questions or concerns about visitation with your child, call our firm today to see how we could work with you throughout the divorce process. Experienced legal assistance may help you approach important topics like visitation with more confidence and a clearer understanding of your role in the legal process.
Contemplating divorce is a profound step that involves emotional, financial, and legal considerations. Our "Am I Ready for Divorce?" checklist is a sensitively designed tool that helps individuals thoughtfully assess their readiness for this life-altering decision. This resource aims to guide you through introspection and practical evaluation, ensuring that your decision to pursue a divorce is made with both clarity and foresight.
In any legal or financial undertaking, having a comprehensive and organized set of financial records is critical. Our "Financial Records Checklist" is crafted to give you the clarity and control needed to manage your finances effectively. Whether you're preparing for tax season, undergoing legal proceedings, or simply aiming to get your financial house in order, this checklist is an indispensable tool for ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Divorce not only signifies a major shift in the lives of the parents but also heralds a period of adjustment and emotional transition for the children involved. Our meticulously crafted checklist, "Do Your Kids Need Therapy After Divorce?" is a vital resource for parents concerned about the psychological welfare of their children during and after a divorce. This checklist serves as a compassionate guide for recognizing signs of distress and taking proactive steps to support your child's mental health.
Divorce can be a complex and emotionally taxing journey, but when both parties agree on the key terms, an uncontested divorce can offer a more amicable and efficient path forward. Our Uncontested Divorce Checklist is a comprehensive guide designed to provide individuals with a clear roadmap through the legal process when there are no children involved. This free resource ensures that you are well-prepared, informed, and ready to proceed with confidence.