In Illinois, mothers have the same legal rights as fathers regarding their children. Here's a summary:  

• Parental Responsibilities:
  
  

  • Joint Custody: Illinois favors joint custody arrangements, meaning both parents share in major decision-making for the child (education, medical care, religion).  

  • Physical Custody: This refers to where the child primarily lives. Courts prioritize the child's best interests when determining physical custody arrangements, considering factors like the child's age, the parents' ability to cooperate, and the child's relationship with each parent.  

• Parenting Time (Visitation):
  
  

  • Both parents have the right to spend quality time with their child.  

  • Courts aim to create a parenting time schedule that maximizes the child's contact with both parents while minimizing disruption to the child's life.  

• Child Support:
  
  

  • The non-custodial parent (whether mother or father) is generally obligated to pay child support to the custodial parent to help support the child's financial needs.

• Decision-Making Authority:
  
  

  • As mentioned earlier, joint decision-making is preferred. However, in some cases, one parent may be granted sole decision-making authority in certain areas.  

Important Considerations:

• Child's Best Interests: Illinois courts prioritize the child's best interests in all custody and parenting time decisions.  

• No Gender Bias: There is no legal preference for mothers in custody or parenting time determinations.  

• Individualized Cases: Every family situation is unique. The specific rights and responsibilities of parents will depend on the individual circumstances of the case.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have specific questions about your rights as a mother in Illinois, it's crucial to consult with an experienced family law attorney.

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