As you probably know, divorce disrupts all areas of your life, especially when you share kids. One issue you may face while divorcing is continuing to provide a stable, loving environment for your children.
There is no such thing as a short-term child custody order under Illinois family law. However, you and your co-parent may be able to obtain temporary custody arrangements from the judge.
Why would you need such an order?
It depends on your specific circumstances and family dynamics. Here is one example that may clarify the issue. Temporary arrangements often come into play when something happens that causes parents to file for divorce quickly. In these situations, parents might not have had time to make advance arrangements.
What does the judge consider?
Generally, Illinois family court judges look at many of the same issues they examine when issuing final custody orders. Examples include:
- Family interactions and relationships
- The wishes of the child, if mature enough
- Domestic violence or abuse, when applicable
- The physical and mental health of all involved parties
Essentially, Illinois courts issue temporary custody orders to minimize the impact of divorce on your kids while also preserving their best interests.
Are there any drawbacks to consider?
Possibly. Say you or your co-parent feel the temporary order has problems (with transportation, work hours, etc.), but your child is thriving. You could leave the custody order alone to avoid further disrupting their life despite its problems. On the other hand, you could make a few compromises that meet the needs of all parties fairly.
Learn more about child custody to create an arrangement that allows your kids to flourish while minimizing potential hardships for everyone.
