After a divorce, which parent makes decisions for the minor children? In Illinois, a parent who has this authority is said to have decision making responsibilities. In Illinois family law, there are four main categories of child-related decisions: medical related matters, education related matters, religion related matters, and matters involving extra-curricular activities. A court can make one parent solely responsible for these decisions. A parent who has this total decision making authority is said to have sole decision making responsibilities. A court can also make both parents responsible for these decisions. Parents who share in these decisions are said to have shared decision making responsibilities. Often times in a divorce, one parent will try to convince the judge that the other parent should not be involved in these decisions. This leads to a major issue in a divorce. The following factors will be considered when decision making responsibilities are contested. 

• The parent’s wishes
• The child’s wishes
• The mental and physical health of the parents and all of the children involved
• The potential threat of violence and abuse in the home
• The ability of the parents to maintain communication for the child’s benefit

For almost 50 years the Botti Law Firm, P.C. has been providing skilled and compassionate family law representation. We will understand what is important to you and will work hard to achieve your goals. We will be compassionate because we want to minimize your stress and anxieties. We will work to limit and manage the divisive conflicts that arise so they don’t spiral out of control. We will be aggressive and fight for your rights in court or when negotiating settlement. This reliable formula has worked for our clients for almost 50 years; let it work for you.