How Illinois Public Policy Protects Children During Divorce

It is Illinois public policy to protect children from exposure to conflict and violence in a divorce. The following are examples of that public policy: 

• An underlying purpose of Illinois divorce law is to ensure that there is predictable decision making for the children.
• An underlying purpose of Illinois divorce law is to ensure predictable parenting time of the children.
• An underlying purpose of Illinois divorce law is to avoid prolonged uncertainty by expeditiously resolving issues involving children.
• An underlying purpose of Illinois divorce law is to recognize the right of children to a healthy relationship with parents and the responsibility of parents to ensure such a relationship.
• An underlying purpose of Illinois divorce law is to acknowledge that the determination of children’s best interests, and the allocation of parenting time and significant decision-making responsibilities, are among the paramount responsibilities of Illinois’ system of justice.
• An underlying purpose of Illinois divorce law is to recognize that, in the absence of domestic violence or any other factor that the court expressly finds to be relevant, proximity to, and frequent contact with, both parents promotes healthy development of children. 

In light of this public policy, Illinois divorce judges typically will take great measures to protect the children from the negative effects of divorce. This includes expediting child related matters and entering restraining orders prohibiting the parents from engaging in conduct that could be detrimental to children.

The Botti Law Firm, P.C. has been practicing family law for nearly 50 years in DuPage and Cook County.  Please contact one of our attorneys at (630)573-8585 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation.