In Illinois, in making custody decisions, the prevalent issue of the court is what is in the best interests of the child. Many variables must be weighed by the judge in custody choices. When one parent has sole custody, the other parent will most likely be given visitation.

Parents can consent to joint custody, while joint custody is not consistently given or both parents can request joint custody. If a parent requests joint custody, it must be considered by the court into idea. Joint custody may be requested by the court on its motion. In case the people can consent to the provisions of joint custody, they’re going to enter a “joint parenting agreement” stipulating the demands of custody.

It is important to notice the term “joint custody” does not just mean the child’s time will probably be break up “50/50” between parents. The two forms of joint custody are: combined residential custody and joint legal custody.

Joint custody involves both parents share in the most important decision-making regarding the child, usually related to education, health care, and religion.

In combined residential custody involves both parents breaking up the time in which the child resides with each one of these. This could indicate the child will live with one parent four days weekly three days each week in addition to the other parent. This really is not common and could be exceedingly difficult for everyone involved, particularly the child.

The joint parenting agreement could also set every parent’s rights including the child’s personal care, health care, education, and religious issues and duties.

One closing element of joint legal custody is the demand for the parties to share. Just said, in case you are not able to communicate efficiently with the other parent honoring your child, you may not be a nominee for joint legal custody. Typically, before continuing to court to conclude parenting disagreements, measures will be set forth by a JPA, mom and dads will need to take. These measures usually include in writing the issues which have sprung up and good faith effort to resolve those disputes.

In a case of exclusive custody which was residential, the non-custodial parent has the right to reasonable visitation rights. Just as the term visitation is used, it will not mean the non-custodial parent’s time with the child is limited to quite short periods. However, visitation could be limited and is not ensured. Supervision or alternate states are frequently put on visitation.

Deborah Besserman, Divorce attorney and an Illinois Family Law attorney, has experience dealing with a wide range of issues that are custodial, including custody disputes that are not easy.