How Are Parenting Plan Disputes Handled During an Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on April 17, 2020 in Divorce

Being a parent means you do everything in your power to give your children the best life possible. Unfortunately, spouses are not always in agreement when it comes to what is best for their children. Having differing opinions is nearly unavoidable, but these differences can get in the way when it comes to creating a parenting plan. If you are getting a divorce, and you have minor children, you and your spouse must draft this legal document, which contains vital information about parenting time and the allocation of parental responsibilities. Disagreements are a part of life, but a knowledgeable divorce attorney can help you resolve many of these issues.

Drafting a Joint Parenting Plan

Before you can finalize your divorce, you and your spouse must have a parenting plan in place. The parenting plan is like a game plan for how you will raise your children after the divorce. The two main components of a parenting plan are the allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody) and the parenting time (visitation) schedule. Your parenting plan should also address issues such as each parent’s decision-making rights, where the child will spend certain holidays and school breaks, how and where parenting time transitions will take place, and how your child will be transported between households.

Resolving Parenting Plan Disagreements

The state of Illinois asks all divorcing couples to make decisions for their parenting plan on their own. For some couples, this will work, and a plan can be fashioned with minimal help. For other families, this is not possible. In these cases, parents are required to attend at least one mediation session to help them reach an agreement. The mediator will act as a liaison between the spouses to help guide the conversation and settle any disputes. If mediation does not work, the case must be presented to a judge who will make the final decisions. It is important for both spouses to hire an experienced attorney to assist them throughout the entire divorce process, including during mediation or court litigation.

Contact a St. Charles Divorce Attorney

Even though it can be frustrating to work with your spouse when creating your parenting plan, cooperation is the key to success. Even if you do not necessarily agree on every issue with your spouse, it is crucial that you cooperate with him or her for the sake of your children. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we have the experience and knowledge needed to help you and your spouse produce an agreeable parenting plan. Contact our skilled DuPage County parenting plan lawyer today at 630-409-8184 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59

https://courts.illinois.gov/Forms/approved/divorce/Divorce_with_Children_Instructions2.pdf