When it comes to child custody, there are many factors to take into consideration. For example, a parent who is preparing for court or already going through a bitter custody dispute should understand which factors the court will examine when determining which outcome is in the best interests of the child. For parents who are going through a custody dispute in Peoria, or even preparing to file for divorce in the state of Illinois, reviewing statistics on child custody may help.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, estimates show that 22 million children under 21 were living with 13 million custodial parents in early 2014, while their other parent was residing somewhere else. Among children who were under the age of 21 and living with their family, more than one-quarter of them were staying with a custodial parent during this time frame. Clearly, a significant number of children in the United States live with a custodial parent, which highlights how important it is for parents and courts to work towards an outcome that is healthy for children.
When some people picture a custodial parent, they may envision a mother. However, there are many fathers who are awarded custody as well. During 2013, 17 percent of custodial parents were single fathers. In fact, there were two million single fathers across the country during this period. For parents who are preparing to divorce, it is vital to take a careful look at all of the details of their circumstances and keep their child’s well-being in mind as they move forward.
