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Visitation rights and parents who refuse to pay child support in Illinois

Visitation rights and parents who refuse to pay child support in Illinois

Illinois law states that a child has the right to have a relationship with both parents, and the non-custodial parent is entitled to visitation. The visitation schedule does not follow a standard format because each situation has unique factors, such as work and school schedules, so a Joint Parenting Agreement is drafted by the parents (0r their attorneys) during the divorce.  This is assuming that the parties can effectively work together by putting aside their own personal differences.

Man spending time with his little girl.

The court generally accepts the Joint Parenting Agreement presented by the parents, and will only order a schedule when parents are unable to agree. Once the agreement is accepted in court, it is called a Joint Parenting Order, and this is legally binding for both parents.  Even in circumstances where sole custody is awarded or agreed upon, the non-custodial parent will have visitation.

Child support and visitation rights are separate legal issues

Unlike the visitation schedule, Illinois determines the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent pays based on a formula that includes the number of children and the net income of each parent. When the non-custodial parent does not make the court ordered payments, this is considered contempt of court. The court may set penalties, place the parent on probation, or even sentence the parent to up to six months in prison.

Even though there is some legal recourse to recover support payments, the custodial parent may find it tempting to try to force the non-custodial parent to make the support payments by refusing to allow visitation until payment is made. Child support payments and the Joint Parenting Order and visitation are separate legal matters, and because the Joint Parenting Order is legally binding, any attempt on the part of either parent to interfere with the visitation rights of the other is breaking the law.

Visitation interference is illegal

Withholding the child during the scheduled visitation in order to punish the other parent is considered unlawful visitation interference, and under Illinois law, this is a petty offense. Like a traffic ticket, the first instance of a petty offense is typically punishable with a fine. A second conviction could lead to the parent’s arrest for a Class A misdemeanor. This penalty may be a substantial fine, or even a prison term.

Refusing to allow the non-custodial parent to take the child at the court ordered time is one example of visitation interference, but a parent who schedules extracurricular activities during the other parent’s visitation may also be interfering. The court may determine that the activities are reasonable and order that the non-custodial parent receive compensatory time, or it may be considered a willful attempt to violate visitation rights.

Failure to pay child support and unlawful visitation interference are both against the law, and both come with stiff legal penalties. When a parent is the victim of unlawful visitation interference, an experienced family law attorney can provide legal assistance to ensure that all legal rights are granted.

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Roger W. Stelk

Arlington Heights family law attorney Roger W. Stelk provides legal representation and advice to people facing divorce, child custody, and real estate law matters in Cook County, the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and Northern Illinois. As the founder of the Law Offices of Roger W. Stelk, his goal is to provide the highest quality legal services in a professional, personal and comfortable atmosphere.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active

Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association McHenry County Bar Association Northwest Suburban Bar Association

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author-bio-image author-bio-image
Roger W. Stelk

Arlington Heights family law attorney Roger W. Stelk provides legal representation and advice to people facing divorce, child custody, and real estate law matters in Cook County, the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and Northern Illinois. As the founder of the Law Offices of Roger W. Stelk, his goal is to provide the highest quality legal services in a professional, personal and comfortable atmosphere.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active

Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association McHenry County Bar Association Northwest Suburban Bar Association

Go Back <<
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