Access to Minor Children’s Records After Divorce

When parents with minor children get divorced, custody disputes often occur over parenting time and decision–making responsibilities.  These disputes are often stressful and expensive.  However, regardless of the outcome of these disputes, each parent has a right to obtain records relating to the minor child(ren).  This includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, childcare, and school records.  

If one parent is allocated the decision maker for health–related issues, the other parent has a right to the health records of the children.  This is important because a parent without decision making responsibilities can always petition the court to intervene if he/she does not believe the ex-spouse is acting in the child(ren)’s best interests.  Access to these health records is therefore critical to ensuring the child(ren) is protected.   

Additionally, if one parent has sole decision–making responsibilities regarding education, the other party has a right to all education records including, to report cards, and absence and tardy records.  With this information, the spouse who does not have decision-making responsibilities still has knowledge about these matters in order to get involved to petition the court if necessary. 

Although custody disputes are stressful, Illinois law is clear that each parent, regardless of how much parenting time he or she has or who is making decisions for the child(ren), will stay informed about his/her child(ren).  

The Botti Law Firm, P.C. has been serving DuPage and Cook County residents for nearly 50 years. We have vast experience handling cases involving divorce. If you would like to speak to one of our experienced attorneys, please email us or call (630) 573-8585 to schedule a free consultation. <="te="text/javascript">