What about the children? Who will have child custody and where will the children live? These are often important questions that Illinois parents must consider when they decide to divorce. Parents want what is best for their children. Unfortunately, what is best in one situation is not what is best in all situations.
The traditional approach is for one parent to possess physical custody and provide the majority of care for the children. In this situation, the non-custodial parent typically has the children every other weekend and several weeks during the summer. In many cases, this format is what is best for the children.
However, no two families are alike, and what is best for one family is not best for another. One couple, Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler, who are currently in the process of divorce have agreed upon a different child custody arrangement. Under the terms of their agreement, they will share custody of the children equally. Until their housing situation is settled, the parents will alternate weeks living in the home with the children; afterwards, the children will move between the parents’ homes on alternating weeks. Arrangements for how holidays and other special events have also been addressed to make things easier for the children.
Child custody decisions are not one-size fits all. As an Illinois couple negotiates the other aspects of their divorce, they must also keep in mind what is best for their children. Experienced legal counsel can assist the parent in looking at the situation and deciding what is best for all involved.