Creating a Comprehensive Parenting Plan in an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Child Custody

In addition to dividing property, savings accounts, and retirement funds, many divorcing couples also have children that they must make arrangements for. Divorce is hard on everyone in the family, but it is arguably the hardest on the children. By creating a comprehensive parenting plan that encompasses as many issues pertaining to the children as possible, you can help eliminate some of the trepidation and mystery that a divorce brings.

Parenting Plan Is Required by Law

Under Illinois law, all couples who are divorcing and have children together must submit a parenting plan that covers a certain set of issues. These parenting plans help the court decide what the proper course of action is when awarding parenting responsibility and parenting time. If a couple does not have a comprehensive parenting plan to submit to the courts, they will be required to attend mediation to come up with a parenting plan that is agreeable to both parents.

Elements of a Parenting Plan

There are certain items that must be included in a comprehensive parenting plan and issues that are not required to be included, but that can be helpful if they are written out. Items that are required to be in an Illinois parenting plan include:

• A schedule for regular parenting time, including which parent has physical custody of the child and when exchanges will take place;
• A schedule for which holidays and school breaks the child spends with each parent, including when an exchange is to take place, if applicable;
• How vacations will be handled; and
• How decisions about the child’s education, health, religion and extra-curricular activities are handled.

Though these things are the minimum issues that must be addressed in an Illinois parenting plan, the more detail you have down the better. Other items that should be considered and that you may want to add to your parenting plan are:

• Clauses about child support detailing the amount to be paid each month, for how long and how the money will be transferred;
• Rules and routines that you want your children to follow while they are at the other parent’s house, such as limitations on TV or video games, when to complete their homework and bedtimes;
• Rules on dating and when it is appropriate to bring your new partner into your child’s life;
• Protocols to follow if you and your ex cannot come to an agreement about an issue, such as agreeing to attend mediation if an issue arises; and
• Any other issues that are pertinent to your child and your situation.

Get Help from a Kendall County Family Law Attorney

Divorce is not easy and divorce with children makes it even more difficult. If you are going through a divorce, you know that your children are your first priority. By getting into contact with an Aurora family law lawyer that is well-versed in creating comprehensive parenting plans, you can be sure that your children are well taken care of and you have a sound parenting plan in place. When you choose the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., you are choosing a skilled and compassionate family law attorney who has nearly a decade of experience. Call the office at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000

https://www.co.kendall.il.us/wp-content/uploads/CC_Parenting-Plan-1-1.pdf