Are You Seeking “Full Custody” in Your Chicago Child Custody Case? Find Out How to Be the Primary Parent and Where to Get Legal Help Fighting for Your Rights
When parents separate or divorce in Chicago, there is no question that one of the most emotional and complex issues that they face is deciding who will have custody of the children. Many Chicago parents say they want “full custody,” but under Illinois law, the concept of custody has changed. Today, Illinois courts focus on the “allocation of parental responsibilities” and “parenting time” rather than the older term “custody.” Understanding how the legal system works when it comes to the issue of the allocation of parental responsibilities and what it means to be the primary parent is essential for anyone involved in a child custody case. To help Chicago parents with this complex issue, we discuss what it means to be a “primary parent” under Illinois laws and where to get legal help here.
‘Child Custody’ Under Illinois Child Custody Laws: The Basics
In Illinois, child custody laws are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Under Illinois child custody laws, the court decides how to allocate parental responsibilities, which include major decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Under the law, the court also determines parenting time, which refers to when each parent will spend time with the child or children. The court’s main concern in every child custody case is the “best interests of the child,” a standard that guides every custody-related decision in Illinois.
When parents say they want “full custody” in a Chicago divorce case or child custody case, they are usually seeking to become the child’s primary parent, meaning the child will live with them most of the time. The other parent may still have parenting time with the child or children, but the primary parent is responsible for the child’s day-to-day care. Courts may award one parent most or all of the parental responsibilities if it serves the child’s best interests. Again, it is the best interests of the child (and not the parent or parents) that is controlling.
To become the primary parent of a child in a Chicago child custody case or divorce case, it is important to present clear and organized evidence showing that your home environment, parenting involvement, and ability to meet your child’s physical and emotional needs serve their best interests. This may involve demonstrating your consistent caregiving history, your stability, and your willingness to foster a positive relationship between your child and the other parent. Importantly, contrary to rumor and misinformation, Chicago courts do not favor one parent over the other based on gender, but focus on the child’s welfare above all else.
Getting Help with Your Chicago Child Custody Case
It is important for Chicago parents to know that having an experienced Chicago child custody lawyer on your side can be critical to the outcome in these cases. An experienced Chicago child custody lawyer can help you file the necessary petitions and parenting plans, guide you through mediation, and represent you at court hearings. They can also help you understand what the court expects, how to comply with local court rules, and how to present your case effectively. An experienced Chicago child custody lawyer can fight for you.
If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your child custody case, do not hesitate to speak with the experienced Chicago child custody lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak with a lawyer now.
