In an effort to stay current and updated with regards to the family laws, in early 2016 the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) was updated to reflect some slight, yet useful, changes that are helpful to note.

Previously, the main responsibility of caring for the child was referred to as “custody” of the child. As of January 1, 2016, we now refer to child custody as the “allocation of parenting responsibilities”. With the change in terminology, the state also took the common parenting responsibilities and separated them in order to allocate each responsibility to one or both parents. Another common term, “legal custody” was removed with this update and replaced with “decision-making responsibilities”. This particular term is in reference to religion, education, health, and extracurricular activities.

In this day and age, there are more and more fathers who feel that the laws and regulations surrounding allocation of parenting responsibilities (aka “custody”) and visitation lean heavily in the mother’s favor regardless of which parent would best benefit the child. However, particular aspects regarding these family law changes may take away some concern you have when entering in the decision to battle for visitation and / or custody of your child.

When you live an area as widespread and diverse as the Chicagoland region, opportunities may abound for you. With minimal effort, you may be able to find a new job or new place to live quickly, helping you improve your life substantially. This can especially useful following a divorce or other major life change but if you have children and are subject to a custody order or parenting plan, you will need to be aware of what steps you may be required to take.

Moving to New Home

If you have been granted primary physical custody of your child—or the majority of the parenting time as specified under the new law—you are expected to help foster a positive relationship between your child and the other parent. Of course, you cannot be responsible for the other parent’s behavior, but you should not make it more difficult for him or her to spend time with your child.