What to Know if You Are a Stay-at-Home Parent Going Through a Divorce in Illinois

 Posted on May 31, 2023 in Illinois Divorce

As a stay-at-home parent approaching a divorce proceeding, you likely have many questions about how divorce will affect you. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and responsibilities to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Today, we will discuss considerations for stay-at-home parents going through a divorce and how topics like spousal support and child custody may affect you and your situation. Regardless of whether you are a stay-at-home parent, hire a divorce lawyer to direct you through the process while always advocating for your legal rights.

Child Custody Considerations for a Stay-at-Home Parent

In cases where parents cannot agree on a parenting schedule, the courts in Illinois will step in and prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions. In many cases, since the stay-at-home parent spends the majority of the time taking care of the child and their needs, the court will likely consider this as they look to allocate parental responsibilities to each parent. The court will likely wish to interfere in the child’s life as little as possible, which may, in turn, favor the stay-at-home parent since so much of the child’s routine will likely be associated with that parent. However, every case is unique, and other factors, such as the child’s relationship with each parent, will also be considered.

Spousal Support Considerations for a Stay-at-Home Parent

In many situations, stay-at-home parents may not have a steady income, as most of their time, if not all of their time, is devoted to taking care of the children and the family home. As a result, a stay-at-home parent may be entitled to spousal support. However, determining the amount of support may be tricky, as many factors are considered, such as the length of the marriage, contributions made by each party to the marriage, and the earning potential of each spouse involved. A stay-at-home parent may be able to receive higher spousal support payments due to their reduced earning potential. An experienced attorney can help ensure that your interests are protected during this process.

Kane County Divorce Attorney

As a stay-at-home parent, you may be concerned about how divorce affects your relationship with your children and financial future. However, please understand that you have options at this critical time. Contact the St. Charles divorce lawyers with Weiler & Associates, Inc. to secure quality legal representation. Call 630-331-9110 for a private consultation.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/frawleypollock/2020/01/07/smart-moves-to-protect-stay-at-home-parents/?sh=74912fcb4133