What Is a Custodial Parent?
In Illinois, child custody laws can be confusing, especially when trying to understand the role of a custodial parent. If you are separating or divorcing and have minor children, it’s important to know what being a custodial parent means and the differences between physical and legal custody.
Types Of Child Custody In Illinois
In Illinois, the legal term for custody has changed. The courts now use “allocation of parental responsibilities” instead of custody. Parental responsibilities include two main areas:
- Decision-Making Authority: This includes decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities.
- Parenting Time: This refers to the schedule of when each parent spends time with the child.
One parent may have the majority of parenting time, making them the custodial parent, while the other parent has scheduled visits. Decision-making authority, or legal custody, can be shared equally by both parents or awarded to one parent.
Understanding Custodial And Non-Custodial Parents
When it makes sense for the situation, a court may award equal parenting time to both parents. However, it’s more common for one parent to have primary physical custody as a custodial parent. This means the child primarily lives with one parent who has the day-to-day responsibility for the child’s care.
The non-custodial parent, on the other hand, has scheduled parenting time or visitation.
The Model Parenting Time Schedule developed by the Illinois Family Law Study Committee creates a framework for shared parenting time. The standard schedule for the non-custodial parent is:
- Every other weekend
- Four hours or an afternoon per week
- Alternating holidays
- Time during school breaks
The court may deviate from this standard schedule to best fit the child’s needs. Parents can also create their own shared parenting plan.
How Is a Custodial Parent Determined?
Illinois courts prioritize the child’s needs and best interests when determining custody arrangements. The court can consider many factors in making parenting time decisions:
- The child’s wishes, in consideration of their maturity and reasoning
- The wishes of a parent seeking time with the child
- The relationship the child has with each parent and any siblings
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The child’s adjustment to their neighborhood, school, and home
- Each party’s physical and mental health
- Distance between the parents’ homes
- The daily schedules of the parents and child
- Each parent’s willingness and ability to facilitate a relationship with the other parent
The court will also consider whether it’s appropriate to restrict parenting time. A judge may decide it’s appropriate if there is a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or the threat of violence by one parent directed at the child or another member of their household.
If parents can agree on a parenting plan, the court will generally approve it. If they cannot agree, a judge will decide based on what is best for the child.
Rights and Responsibilities of a Custodial Parent
A custodial parent, or primary residential parent, has several important rights and responsibilities, including:
- Making everyday decisions about the child’s health, education, and well-being
- Providing a stable home environment where the child primarily resides
- Cooperating with the parenting plan and allowing the child to spend time with the other parent according to the court order
- Communicating with the other parent about the child’s education, health, and well-being
If the non-custodial parent shares decision-making authority, they have the right to give input on the child’s upbringing. Both parents should make important decisions together whenever possible. If an agreement can’t be reached about a major issue, they must ask the court to make a decision.
What Happens If Parenting Plans Change?
Life circumstances can change, and parenting plans may need to be updated. If the custodial parent wants to relocate with the child, they must follow Illinois relocation laws. In most cases, they need approval from the other parent or the court if the move is a significant distance.
If either parent wants to modify custody arrangements, they must show that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred, such as:
- A parent’s job relocation
- Changes in the child’s needs
- A parent’s inability to meet the child’s best interests
Child custody and child support orders can be modified by the court.
What If the Non-Custodial Parent Doesn’t Follow the Agreement?
If the non-custodial parent does not follow the parenting plan, the custodial parent can take legal action by filing a motion with the court. This may lead to enforcement actions, including fines or changes to the parenting schedule. On the other hand, custodial parents must also allow the non-custodial parent their court-ordered parenting time. Denying access without a valid legal reason can lead to legal consequences.
Understanding the role of a custodial parent is essential when navigating child custody issues in Illinois. The custodial parent has primary physical custody and significant responsibilities in raising the child. However, both parents have rights and obligations under Illinois law to ensure their child’s best interests are met.
Contact the Chicago Family Lawyers at KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys To Get Legal Assistance Today
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our family lawyers or reach out to KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys online by visiting our contact us page.
We serve Cook County and surrounding areas in Illinois. You can also visit our offices in Chicago. We are conveniently located in:
KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys Chicago Office
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