Most professionals who have experience with children say kids do better physically and emotionally when both parents are in their lives. Illinois family law guidelines always speak to what is in the best interests of the child, so it’s usually great for a child when dad plays an integral part in his or her life. The only exception to this is if there is or has been abuse at the hands of the father.
Statistics show that children do better in school and have better social skills when fathers are a part of their lives, and kids who are in their teens are less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol. When both parents play a part in raising their child, the child also has a better chance of staying out of the cycle of poverty. Statistics also show that when a child has a positive male role model, that positivity carries on into adulthood.
Most family court judges now realize the importance of having dad involved in his kids’ lives. Many judges often award joint physical custody to both parents, depending on the individual situation. A father might pay child support for his children, but a parent’s presence and involvement is equally as important.
Illinois lawyers will always offer advice and guidance to a client who has a child based on what he or she believes to be in the best interests of the child. Those who have questions regarding child custody and other issues that pertain to kids might wish to speak to an experienced family law attorney. A lawyer may be able to help in various ways, including helping a client to fashion a co-parenting plan.
