Child Custody Disputes in Illinois | Parental Fitness, Relocation & Custodial Rights | AKL Legal, LLC
Child custody disputes are among the most emotional and stressful challenges families face during or after a divorce. When disagreements arise over parenting time, relocation, or one parent’s fitness, emotions can easily cloud judgment — but having the right legal support can make all the difference.
At AKL Legal, LLC, our Lake County child custody attorneys help parents protect their rights and their children’s well-being in even the most contentious custody cases.
Understanding Parental Fitness in Illinois
Illinois family courts prioritize the best interests of the child in all custody matters. A key factor in that determination is each parent’s “fitness.”
A fit parent provides a safe, stable home and can meet their child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs. When one parent seeks sole custody, they must prove that the other parent is unfit to provide proper care.
The court may deem a parent unfit for reasons such as:
Repeated or severe child neglect
Extreme cruelty or abuse
A consistent failure to provide for a child’s needs
Criminal convictions, such as for violent crimes
Substance abuse or mental health issues that impact parenting ability
In cases where abuse or neglect is proven, the court can restrict or even terminate a parent’s visitation rights.
Custodial Interference and Enforcement of Parenting Orders
Even after a custody agreement is finalized, problems can arise when one parent violates court-ordered parenting time. Custodial interference happens when a parent intentionally prevents the other parent from spending time with their child as ordered by the court.
This can include refusing scheduled visitation, hiding the child, or manipulating the child’s schedule. Custodial interference is not only a violation of a court order — it can also be a criminal offense.
If your co-parent continually ignores custody terms or undermines your parenting plan, your attorney can help you enforce the order or request modifications through the court.
Parental Relocation and Custody Modifications
Life changes — and sometimes that means one parent may need to relocate for a new job, a relationship, or better opportunities. In Illinois, a parent with primary custody must notify the other parent at least 60 days before moving, if the move exceeds a specific distance.
If the other parent objects, the court will review whether the relocation is in the child’s best interests, considering factors like:
The reasons for the move
The child’s relationship with both parents
How the relocation affects parenting time and stability
Relocation disputes are common, and a knowledgeable Illinois custody lawyer can help you build a strong case to either support or challenge the move.
Parental Alienation: When One Parent Turns the Child Against the Other
One of the most damaging issues in child custody cases is parental alienation — when one parent manipulates a child into distrusting or rejecting the other. This behavior can include:
Speaking negatively about the other parent
Blaming the divorce or separation on them
Preventing communication or visits
Encouraging loyalty conflicts in the child
Judges take parental alienation seriously, especially when it harms the child’s emotional well-being or skews their perception of the other parent. If you suspect your co-parent is alienating your child, legal intervention may be necessary to protect your relationship.
Work with a Lake County Child Custody Attorney Who Puts Your Child First
When custody disputes escalate, emotions can run high — but your child’s stability and future depend on level-headed legal advocacy.
At AKL Legal, LLC, our experienced child custody lawyers in Grayslake, Lake County, and McHenry County represent parents in disputes over parental fitness, relocation, visitation rights, and more. We help you navigate Illinois custody laws with compassion and strength, always keeping your child’s best interests at the forefront.
Contact AKL Legal, LLC today to schedule a confidential consultation with a skilled Illinois family law attorney. 847-262-9888
