As a Father in Illinois, Could My Parental Rights Be in Danger?

 Posted on September 21, 2023 in Divorce

People used to assume that when a couple got divorced, most parental responsibilities would be granted to the mother. While the law varies by state, that is no longer the assumption. Today, these arrangements are based on many factors. If you are a father who is concerned that your spouse could get all or most parental responsibilities in a divorce settlement, an experienced Kane County, IL divorce lawyer can explain the process to you.

Parental Distribution of Responsibilities Has Changed over Time

Not so long ago, American society held some generally accepted views on gender roles in parenting. Fathers were expected to be the main breadwinners, going off to work all day to earn the money that the family needed. They were not generally as involved as their wives in raising their children, because they were busy making a living. It was also assumed that mothers would handle the child-rearing and household responsibilities. They were not expected to contribute to the family budget because they were busy dealing with the family’s non-financial needs.

These gendered expectations are no longer considered the norm. In many families, both parents work. But as gender equality has developed, more job opportunities have opened up for women. Women can hold demanding, high-paying jobs. As a result, without the pressure of being solely responsible for the family’s finances, fathers can be more involved in raising children.

How Might This Help You in Your Divorce Settlement?

As gender roles in parenting have changed over time, so have assumptions about parents. Twenty years ago, it might have been much more common for a mother to receive “full custody." The children would live with her full-time and she would have the authority to make crucial decisions for them. At the very least it was typical for mothers to be granted the majority of parental responsibilities. The children could have residences with both parents, but they would spend more time with their mother.

As women have taken on more jobs, including senior positions, stereotypes about gender roles in parenting have also changed. “Stay-at-home dad” has become a much more common term in recent years than ever before.

As societal expectations of parents have changed, so have the laws in many states. It can no longer be argued that mothers should have all the rights because they are more involved. It is now most common for courts to decide that it is in the child’s best interest to be raised by both parents. This is great news for concerned fathers who are considering divorce.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a St. Charles, IL Divorce Attorney

If you are a father and divorce is in your future, you have no reason to assume you will lose your parental responsibilities. Our experienced team of Kane County, IL child custody lawyers is committed to advocating for the rights of dedicated fathers. Please call Goostree Law Group at 630-584-4800 today to schedule a free consultation.