When can a child choose which parent to live with in Illinois?

When can a child choose which parent to live with in Illinois?

14 and older

What does residential parent mean?

The parent with primary residential custody merely refers to the parent with whom the children spend the majority of their time. This parent has sole physical custody. In most custody arrangements, courts will name the mother as the custodial or residential parent.

Is the mother automatically the custodial parent?

As a rule in most states, if the parents are not married, the mother is automatically given primary custody rights over the children. This means she has complete authority to make any major and minor decisions regarding her child’s welfare.

Do fathers automatically have joint custody?

Both mothers and fathers have equal rights to child custody. Custody arrangements can vary, and include joint or sole custody depending on the specifics of your situation.

What do you do when your child wants to live with the other parent?

How to Respond When Your Child Wants Their Other Parent

  1. Don’t Take It At Face Value. Your child may be very frustrated in this moment, expressing them self in such a way that may cause you some heartbreak.
  2. Have Empathy for Your Child’s Emotions. Look at the situation from your child’s perspective.
  3. Keep Your Composure.
  4. Stand Your Ground Peacefully.

Is it normal for a child to prefer one parent over the other?

It’s not uncommon for children to prefer one parent over the other. Sometimes this is due to a change in the parenting roles: a move, a new job, bedrest, separation. During these transitions, parents may shift who does bedtime, who gets breakfast, or who is in charge of daycare pickup.

What do you do when your child lives in two houses?

7 Ways to Help Your Kids Live Happily in Two Houses

  1. Living happily in two houses means feeling comfortable in both homes.
  2. Give your children their own space in each house.
  3. Have some duplicate items in both houses.
  4. Maintain a routine in each house.
  5. Stay positive.
  6. Keep transitions times as simple and smooth as possible.

What is the hardest age for parents?

In fact, age 8 is so tough that the majority of the 2,000 parents who responded to the survey agreed that it was the hardest year, while age 6 was better than expected and age 7 produced the most intense tantrums.