Divorcing or separating parents in Illinois often struggle to know what steps they need to take as their family’s circumstances transition from one household to two. Some parents become very passive during a divorce or breakup. They love their children, but they desperately want to minimize conflict and time in court. Other people simply don’t know their rights.
Unmarried fathers, for example, might wrongfully assume that they do not have any parental rights because the state may not acknowledge their parentage. Those dealing with high levels of conflict at the end of a relationship often need the guidance and intervention of the family courts. Both a parental allocation and a written agreement are of the utmost importance for parents who want to protect their rights under a variety of circumstances.
The value of a parentage allocation
The term parentage allocation refers to a judicial decree establishing parental rights and responsibilities. In other states, people may refer to a parentage allocation as a custody order. A parentage allocation can contain terms outlining the overall division of parenting time between the two adults. It may also include rules for sharing decision-making authority and financial responsibility for the children.
A judge hearing a case involving parentage concerns can hear details about the family situation and then establish arrangements that they believe are in the best interests of the children in the family. They can consider factors including the stability of each parent and the wishes of the children if they are 14 years of age or older.
The importance of a written agreement
It is often necessary for parents who share responsibilities with one another to expand on the terms established in a parentage allocation. They may need to create rules for handling disputes, standards for household responsibilities and school performance and numerous other important parenting matters.
A written agreement can address numerous elements that a basic parentage allocation cannot. From the division of holidays to the right way to handle medical issues, the written agreement can include many terms that reduce the uncertainty and conflict possible in a shared custody scenario.
Taking the time to address parenting issues early in a divorce or separation can reduce the stress inherent in the transition for an entire family. Parents who seek out a parentage allocation and establish a written agreement set themselves up for a more amicable co-parenting arrangement.