When a spouse enters a divorce, it is common for their main priority to be protecting their right to be a part of their child’s life after the divorce is finalized. If you worry that your co-parent may try to challenge your parental rights during a divorce, you must act quickly to begin preserving your role in your child’s life. Continue reading to learn the steps you can take to protect your parental rights. Contact our Morton divorce lawyer today for assistance with your divorce.
How can I protect my parental rights?
- Retain the services of an experienced attorney: As soon as you become aware of an imminent divorce, it is important that you reach out to an experienced divorce attorney. Even before your case has begun, it is best to speak with your attorney to catch them up to speed and set out goals. Your attorney will understand your state’s child custody laws and will protect your parental rights if they are being violated.
- Speak with your spouse: It may sound simple, but it is best to speak with your spouse so that you can determine how you can cooperate as parents once the divorce is complete. Discuss how things will change once one of you leaves the family home. You can attempt a resolution on a temporary arrangement for visitation so that you do not have to schedule visits on the spot. This conversation may even allow you to get a head start on settling the custody issues in your case.
- Decide on a parenting arrangement: Coming up with your parenting plan and bringing it to the court is a very important step to make. You will specify when and how often you think each parent should see the kids, including vacation and holiday time in your parenting plan. You may also want to include details about transportation between visits and communication styles for you and your co-parent to use when making decisions.
- Document all that you do for your child: Document as much as you can to prove your relationship with your child. This may include documenting mementos such as things you have made together, photos you have taken together, and more. You may also want to document the caretaking duties you fulfill, purchases you have made for them, and the extracurriculars and schooling events you have enrolled them in.
- Document interference with parental rights: If you are ever denied access to your child, it is crucial that you document the incident. This may include keeping track of emails or text messages that prove that your parental rights are being interfered with. You may also want to collect proof of your co-parent failing to attempt to maintain a relationship with your child if this is relevant.
Contact Our Experienced Illinois Firm
At Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C., our divorce lawyer will help you navigate the divorce or family law matter you are facing. We provide effective and compassionate legal counsel for the following legal matters: divorce, alimony, division of marital assets, child custody, and child support. Contact us today.
