Fighting for Parental Visitation Time

 Posted on November 12, 2018 in Family Law

Divorces represent one of the most difficult challenges that two people will ever face in their lives. While the decision to separate can be a healthy and amicable one, it can still be emotionally challenging to begin a life without your former partner. Divorces can also become contentious, due to issues of financial security and resource allocation. Still, nothing seems to bring more emotional stress to a divorce than the presence of children.

If you are in the midst of a divorce and your former spouse is seeking sole-custody of your children, it is time to begin working toward a parental visitation schedule. Every good parent wants to play a role in their child’s life; contacting a quality legal team can help you do just that.

How a Visitation Schedule is Made

Here in the state of Illinois, the vast majority of visitation conflicts are resolved through either mediation or extensive negotiation. This type of conflict resolution enables both parties to work towards a schedule that is mutually beneficial. A mediation resolution also offers parents an opportunity to begin their new parental relationship. Finding a way to come together and build a schedule that works for both parents, and highlights the best interest of the children involved, can be a good first step in the new parental dynamic.

While mediation is preferred in child visitation cases, it is not uncommon for these cases to remain unresolved and have to be decided in the courtroom. A judge will make an unbiased decision, in the best interest of the child. The judge’s decision will be based on criteria that include: the relationship the non-custodial parent had with the child prior to the divorce, the age and wishes of the child, and other logistical issues (such as work schedule, geographic location of each party, etc.).

If you and your former spouse cannot come to an amicable agreement regarding visitation rights, a courtroom decision can represent the next best option. Hiring a quality legal team can help to ensure that your wishes will be aggressively fought for in the courtroom. Once the visitation schedule is set, both parties are required to follow it. A visitation agreement can only be altered through a modification, which must be filed through the court system.

Meet with a Will County Child Visitation Lawyer

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our team understands that all parents cherish the time they get to spend with their children. If you are in the midst of a divorce, hiring an experienced family law team to represent you can make all the difference in issues of custody, visitation, and child support. Schedule a meeting with our DuPage County family law attorneys by calling 630-462-9500 today.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+VI&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8350000&SeqEnd=10200000