Modifying Illinois child custody orders by changing the parenting time (physical custody) arrangement or parental responsibility (legal decision making responsibility) is possible if there are significant reasons for a change and that any modifications serve the child’s best interests.
Among the reasons a court may consider modifying child custody include:
- The custodial parent’s new employment reduces the hours they spend with the child or results in a move to a distant location away from a child’s family, friends, school or community
- The custodial parent does not have the financial means to care for a child due to a job loss
- The custodial parent is incarcerated
- Child endangerment due to a custodial parent’s abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol
- A custodial parent is living with a convicted sex offender
- The relationship between the child and custodial parent has broken down
- Concerns over a child who is not thriving physically, who is exhibiting serious emotional and behavioral issues that did not exist previously
- Any other serious concerns pertaining to the safety and well-being of the child under the current custody arrangement
If parents agree to the modification and the changes are in the child’s best interest, the court should grant a modification. If the parents do not agree, the court will likely order mediation in an attempt to resolve differences before the case advances to court where a judge will decide if a modification to the custody order is in the child’s best interest. It is important to note, however, that courts typically require three years to elapse after the original child custody order before considering a modification unless the child’s health or safety is a concern.
Contact a Child Custody Modification Lawyer for Help
If you have questions regarding child custody modification, whether you are seeking to increase parenting time or wish to have more of a say in decisions being made for a child, contact Attorney Ronald L Bell & Associates P.C. for immediate assistance today at 847-495-6000.