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Illinois Child Custody

Child custody in Illinois be awarded on the best interests of the child, considering the parents’ and the child’s wishes. Often the courts will order joint custody with one parent to be considered the primary custodian and the other parent having the opportunity for frequent time with their child. Illinois Judges are given a great deal of discretion in making their child custody rulings and will look at the totality of the circumstances before reaching a decision. Many times a judge will appoint a guardian ad litem to look out for the best interests of the child.

As part of the judge’s discretion in deciding child custody he can look at such factors as safety of the child, where the child would live, who is going to be able to watch the child and at times, where does the child wish to live. There are no hard and fast rules or litmus test in making this difficult decision and in most instances while a judge will assign a custodial parent, each parent is allowed to be involved in the decision making process of raising a child on issues such as where will they go to school, what religion will they be exposed to and where will they live.

Child custody is an extremely important and often emotional issue faced by many parents in Illinois. The following links provide additional information about child custody laws in Illinois. If you have any questions about Illinois child custody and family law or would like a referral to a family law attorney please do not hesitate to contact us. All inquiries are free and confidential.

• Best Interests of the Child in Illinois Custody Cases
• Child Abduction Lawyers in Illinois
• Criteria for Awarding Custody in Illinois
• Fathers' Rights in Illinois: Child Custody
• Frequently asked questions to Illinois child custody lawyers
• Illinois paternity lawyers, more information
• Jurisdiction in Illinois
• Knowing Your Family Law Judge
• Modification After Custody Has Been Awarded
• Paternity in Illinois
• Removing a Child From Illinois to Another State
• Statutes used to adjudicate child custody in Illinois
• 604(b) Child Custody Evaluations
• Testifying in Illinois Court Cases
• Tips on Winning an Illinois Child Custody Case
• What makes a great Illinois child custody lawyer?

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• A child cannot choose which parent to live with, but as they get older they will have more influence on a judge’s decision.
• A judge is supposed to determine child custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child while at the same time balancing the needs of the parents.
• A child custody order cannot be modified for a minimum of two years from the final order unless there is a drastic change in circumstances that affect the best interests of the child.
• Whether or not you have been married to the parent of your child has no legal affect on child custody.
• Fathers and mothers have the same rights in Illinois.
• A consenting adult can be adopted by another adult.
• If you want your new spouse to adopt your child, you must first terminate the parental rights of the other parent.
• Whether or not you were married has no major bearing on determining child custody or child support.
• In most instances, you cannot move out of state with your children without the courts permission.
• If you are worried that the other parent of your child is going to flee the country, you can seek a court order that would confiscate your child’s passport and not allow him/her to leave the country.