Divorce Attorney Darius Sethna knows that child custody can be one of the most contentious issues in family law. The Illinois legislature has attempted to make the process by which parents choose a child custody arrangement easier by creating clear guidelines for judges and attorneys to follow. But even with these guidelines, it can be difficult to understand what factors they consider when making their decision. If you are struggling with a divorce or other family law issue related to your children, contact divorce attorney Darius Sethna today for more information about your situation and how we may be able to help. (630) 574 – 3600
Determining Parenting Time
In Illinois, parenting time is the term used to describe the amount of time a parent spends with his or her child. In determining parenting time, courts will look at many factors, such as:
- The age and gender of each child
- Whether there are multiple children
- The time each parent wants to spend with the child
- How the child feels, if the child is mature enough to provide reason to support their wishes
- How much time each parent has spent taking care of the child in the past
- Whether the parents had previously agreed on a caretaking arrangement
- How the child interacts with each parent and members of each household
- The child’s ability to adjust to their home, community, and school
- The physical and mental health of each parent and the child
- The practicality of an arrangement based on the distance between each parent’s home and daily schedules
- The parents’ ability to work together to make the plan work
- Any threat of violence to the child, abuse against the child, or sex offender status of a parent;
- Any other factor that the court decides is relevant.
You want results that protect the best interests of your children and that work for everyone involved. As an experienced divorce attorney Darius Sethna can assess your family situation and your future goals to negotiate an appropriate parenting plan.
Determining Decision Making Responsibilities
There are numerous daily decisions that parents make for their children. These immediate decisions will always remain the purview of the parent when they are with the child at the time. “A parent shall have sole responsibility for making routine decisions with respect to the child and for emergency decisions affecting the child’s health and safety during the parent’s parenting time.” 750 ILCS 5/602.5(d)
The decision making responsibilities, though, refer to the major life decisions. These include health care, education, religion, and extracurricular activities. When parents get a divorce, determinations must be made on who has the power to make these types of decisions.
Decision making responsibilities are decided based on many factors, but most importantly, what is in the best interest of the child. That means that parents cannot bring up pointless accusations that don’t ultimately affect parenting the child (like having a new boyfriend, for example). “In allocating significant decision-making responsibilities, the court shall not consider conduct of a parent that does not affect that parent’s relationship to the child.” 720 ILCS 5/602.5(e).
Contact Divorce Attorney Darius Sethna to Discuss Your Divorce Case
If you have a child custody concern and are looking for help, contact Sethana Cook today. Our divorce attorney Darius Sethna, has vast experience and will protect your rights as a parent and protect your family.
With so many factors to consider, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer, like divorce attorney Darius Sethna, in child custody matters. Sethna Cook can help you navigate the complicated legal system and ensure that your family’s goals are realized.