In Illinois, family laws are designed to protect the best interests of our children. One crucial aspect is the “Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act” (750 ILCS 5), and Section 602.7 within it, which addresses parenting time.
This section states “Each parent is entitled to reasonable parenting time unless the court finds, after a hearing, that the parenting time would seriously endanger the child’s physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.”
While it may not explicitly mention the right to know where your child is, the right to parenting time generally encompasses this vital aspect, especially during the other parent’s allotted time.
Courts in Illinois tend to interpret these laws in a way that enables parents to have reasonable knowledge of their child’s whereabouts, primarily concerning safety and welfare. It’s a common practice for parents to keep each other informed about their child’s location, especially during extended visitation periods or if the child is taken out of state.
Additionally, individual cases may have specific court orders that mandate parents to communicate their child’s location during parenting time.
In cases where specifics are essential, such as contentious divorces, these details are often outlined in the parenting plan or custody agreement. These agreements can specify requirements like sharing travel plans or informing each other about the child’s accommodation.
Remember, the focus here is always the well-being of the child, and these laws aim to ensure that both parents can be actively involved while keeping the child’s safety and security paramount.
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