When parents divorce, they want their children to go through the process with the least angst and stress as possible. When each parent has the best interests of the child at heart, they may find it easier to be more civil with each other — especially in front of their kids. But, what does best interests of the child really mean legally in Illinois?

Family court judges will look at several markers when it comes to determining what is in a child’s best interests. They include the child’s age, consistency of the child’s routine, evidence of each person’s ability to parent, how the child is likely to be impacted by a change in routine and the child’s safety. Each parent can show the judge how they fit into their children’s lives and how willing they are to work with each other for their children’s sake.

Judges are not likely to look favorably on situations where a child’s routine is severely disrupted or when a child is kept from seeing a parent by the other parent. Children do better when they have a relationship with both parents. Judges like to see consistency in a child’s life.

An Illinois attorney can to further explain to a client the things that are considered to be in the best interests of the child and make recommendations to that end. A lawyer is the best person from whom to seek answers about child custody, child support and other issues that affect children of divorce. He or she, too, will always have the best interests of children at the forefront.