In Illinois, child custody is determined in a separate hearing after the divorce trial. The judge evaluates several factors to determine which parent is awarded custody. Among these factors are the wishes of the parents as well as the child’s preferences.
Evaluating the Relationship Between the Child and Parents
The court evaluates the relationship between the child and their parents. The judge determines with which parent the child has the healthiest relationship. The choice made by the court is determined by what choice would provide a stable environment for the child. To build a case against a former spouse, contact a Child Custody Lawyer in Hyde Park today.
Reviewing Protection Orders
At any time a protection order was acquired, the court must determine if there were any violations. A violation of a protection order is a criminal offense. If the parent identified in the protection order violates the court order, it could affect their chances of acquiring custody. The court must also evaluate the conditions listed in the order to determine if the parent is a threat to the child. To acquire an order of protection, contact a Child custody lawyer in Hyde Park now.
Supervised Visitation and Protecting the Child
When determining child custody, the court must address potential threats. Any allegations of physical or sexual abuse are investigated. If the court finds the allegations to be true, they could order supervised visitation. In cases in which sexual abuse was present, the court may move to terminate the parental rights of the offender.
Child Support Payments
After child custody is determined, the court calculates child support payments. The non-custodial parent submits these payments to the court each month. They are determined by the income of both parents and the financial obligations of the child. Child support is required until the child turns eighteen.
Child custody laws protect the interests of the child. They help the court to identify the most appropriate setting for the child. In most cases, the court encourages a relationship between the child and both parents. However, some conditions could hinder this opportunity and create an unsafe environment for the child. To learn more about these cases, contact John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. today.
