Chicago Divorce Lawyer Russell Knight Discusses 50/50 Joint Custody and How Far a Parent Is Allowed To Move

Chicago divorce lawyer Russell Knight releases a new article (https://rdklegal.com/how-far-away-can-a-parent-move-and-still-have-50-50-joint-custody-in-illinois/) that explains how far away parents are allowed to move and still have 50/50 joint custody in Illinois. The lawyer mentions that a 50/50 joint physical custody can change an individual’s schedule forever. However, there are many changes that can happen in someone’s life such as getting married again, new work schedules, and even having to move to a new place.

“The simplest answer to 'how far away can you move and still maintain a 50/50 custody and time-sharing arrangement' is that it depends on your Allocation of Parenting Time and Parenting Responsibilities. This is also referred to as a 'parenting plan'. At the end of every divorce or parentage action, an allocation of parenting time and parenting responsibilities will be submitted to the court,” says the Chicago divorce lawyer.

The lawyer explains that a parenting plan is an agreement between both spouses. The court will have to agree that the parenting plan is for the best interests of their children. The parents will have to follow this court-approved parenting plan until the order is changed.

Attorney Knight also adds that the parenting plan can also allow the parent to move a certain distance from the other parent. This will still maintain the 50/50 custody/time-sharing agreement of both parties. As long as the parenting plan allows it, then it is possible to move. If something is not on the parenting plan, then it is allowable for the other parent to do as long as they abide by the other clauses.

In the article, the lawyer says that the parents can write anything on the parenting plan. If a parent doesn’t have something specifically contrary in their parenting plan, they’re going to have to fall back onto the Illinois statute. The Illinois statute says that any change of residence more than 25 miles from the current child’s residence will trigger the relocation provisions of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.

According to the divorce attorney, “All parenting plans have a clause that determines who makes educational decisions for the child and how those educational decisions are made. Most parents share education decision-making responsibilities. So, a child shouldn’t be made to move from his current school unless the parents agree.”

Lastly, attorney Knight emphasizes the importance of having a skilled divorce lawyer when it comes to matters such as creating a parenting plan and child custody. An experienced lawyer may be able to help the client understand their rights and responsibilities in an Illinois divorce.

About The Law Office of Russell Knight

The Law Office of Russell D. Knight was established in 2009 by the divorce attorney Russell D. Knight. The lawyer’s love for family law is demonstrated by the numerous articles personally written by the lawyer. Russell is a licensed lawyer throughout Florida and Illinois. The attorney has a legal practice in both states and employs an entire staff of paralegals and attorneys in the two states of Chicago, Illinois, and Naples, Florida. Contact them today at (773) 334-6311.