Making a Parenting Plan That Works

When parents divorce or are single and no longer living together, child time-sharing arrangements In Illinois help ensure each person remains active and involved in the child’s life. Parenting plans are used in creating a schedule and allocating parental responsibilities. The following offers tips on what should be included to ensure your parenting works for you and your child. 

Creating a Parenting Plan in Illinois

Child custody agreements previously named one party as the primary custodian of the child and gave the other visitation rights. Today, courts are more in favor of allocating parental responsibility through the use of joint child time-sharing arrangements. Under the Illinois Statutes, parenting plans are now used to determine parenting time and responsibility in making decisions on behalf of the child.

Reaching your own agreements, with the help of your attorney, in regards to parenting arrangements gives you greater control over the situation, allows for a more individualized plan, and is generally preferable to having a judge decide on your case. Items that should be addressed as part of a parenting plan in Illinois include: 

• Where the child will spend the majority of time during the week;
• The rights to overnight visitation on weekends;
• Special arrangements for holidays, birthdays, school breaks, and other special occasions;
• The right to make legal decisions on behalf of the child regarding their education, medical care, and religious upbringing;
• Pick-up and drop-off arrangements for visits;
• Rights regarding the ability to relocate with the child;
• Procedures for resolving disputes that may arise;
• Provisions for when the situation warrants returning to court. 

Tips for Creating a Parenting Plan That Works

In creating an Illinois parenting plan, it is important to remain flexible and to acknowledge the important role the other parent plays in the child’s life. At the same time, you want to be sure your rights as a parent and your child’s well-being are protected. 

Parenting plans will influence you and your child’s activities together, as well as your general relationship. Follow these tips to create a plan that works: 

• Make your child’s best interests your top priority. Consider their academic schedule, their extra-curricular activities, and their need for friends and downtime in creating a schedule. 
• Consider your own schedule and needs. Factor in your own schedule regarding work and other family responsibilities when making arrangements, as well as your own need for downtime. 
• Create clear guidelines for communications. When problems and disputes arise, agree to discuss them in a respectful manner and not in front of your child.

Our Chicago Child Time-Sharing Attorneys are Here to Help

In creating a parenting plan, the Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group acts as a trusted legal ally on your side. To request a consultation, contact our Chicago child time-sharing attorneys today.