Going through a divorce may be painful for each spouse. For the children, it could be even more difficult. As each spouse thinks about how their future may be changing, thoughts often turn to their children.
One of the first things each spouse may consider should be the children, including child custody, child support and parenting time.
Illinois’ focus for children — their best interests
The state of Illinois focuses on one thing: the best interests of the child. This is a legal standard by which every family court operates as divorce cases are considered and decided.
If the parents are unable to come to a decision about parenting time before the court hearing, the court takes over. The judge looks at everything that benefits the children involved in the divorce.
How should parents divide parenting time?
“Parenting time” is child visitation. This responsibility is shared between the parents, who may try to decide how to divide how they wish to structure parenting times.
Children may split their time between each parent’s home. It is a method that has long been used to allow children to keep their relationships with both parents. The parents may devise a schedule that works for them and their children.
The “best interests of the child” focuses on mental and emotional development
Every decision made on behalf of the children in a divorce is made to achieve the goal of encouraging the emotional and mental well-being of the children. This includes child custody and parenting time.
The judge may want to be sure that the children have an opportunity to feel secure and happy with their new arrangements after their parents’ divorce has been finalized.