(Court opinion corrected 11/8/17.) Court denied Respondent mother's request to relocate to New Jersey with minor child of her and Petitioner. Parties currently have joint custody order providing for father's participation in all major decisions. Court's denial of petition for removal was, based on totality of circumstances, not against manifest weight of evidence. Among factors considered was that no family members lived in or near New Jersey, and many extended family members live in or near Elgin. Court properly placed consideration of child's best interests above the likely enhancement to mother's general quality of life as a result of relocating to New Jersey, where mother's husband could work for his current employer. (JORGENSEN, concurring; HUTCHINSON, specially concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Removal