Getting divorced is a difficult process, especially when there are children involved. Illinois parents want to do what is best for their kids, and they certainly want to reach the best child custody arrangements possible. However, if a parent is seeking sole custody or even joint custody, it is important to understand how that parent’s living arrangements could affect the court’s decision.
Even if children are not living in a home full time, they still need space they can call their own. If a parent lives in a one-bedroom apartment and has three kids, the court may not look favorably on that type of living arrangement as the children would not have their own space. As a result, it is important that parents have proper accommodations for their children, even for just overnight visits and not long-term living.
The area in which a parent lives could also come into play. Even if the parent lives in a house or apartment with enough space, the court may limit visits if the home is in a high-crime area or has other unsafe aspects. As a result, it is important for parents to do their research before deciding on a place to live post-divorce, especially if they want to have a good environment for their kids.
The court can look at a considerable number of details when deciding on child custody matters. In some cases, Illinois parents may not think about some of the issues that the court may look at. As a result, concerned parents may want to discuss them with legal counsel to determine what they need to do to ensure that their living arrangements will not cause the court to look unfavorably on them regarding child custody concerns.