How to Create a Parenting Plan for Divorce

 Posted on April 09, 2019 in Divorce

When getting a divorce, one of the biggest concerns is how decisions regarding children will be made between the former spouses. In Illinois, this is called parental responsibility, which dictates the important aspects of a child’s life. Decisions about medical care, education, and religion are made by the parents, who share this responsibility. Decisions about a child’s care are made through what is called a parenting plan. 

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a court order that decides which parent sees the child and when, and how they are cared for. Although the time spent with both parents is rarely an exact 50/50 split, in most cases, the court will decide that the child will benefit the most from seeing both parents regularly. In lieu of “visitation” in Illinois, the term used is “parenting time,” which is defined as time performing parental duties and care. 

When creating a parenting plan, both parents will need to agree to terms. If an agreement cannot be made, the court will make a decision on behalf of the child and his or her best interests. 

Follow these tips for writing a successful parenting plan: 

Create a Schedule: When making a schedule for your child, it is important not to disrupt their already existing schedule. Many decisions are made regarding school and extracurricular activities. Create a schedule that you can both stick to as parents. A helpful step is to create an additional plan for how to maintain the schedule. Consider an online calendar to keep track of who sees the child and when. The more communication you and your ex have, the easier this transition will be. 

Plan Ahead: Thinking ahead about important dates and holidays will save you and your child from stress and confusion. Plan for all relevant holidays. Many choose to rotate on an annual basis. Consider what family traditions matter to your child, and do your best to accommodate. 

Expenses: A child benefits the most with the support of two parents, and that includes financial support. In Illinois, child support is based on what is fair for each parent to support based on net income and other factors. 

Contact a Barrington Divorce Attorney

In an ideal world, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse will agree about the future of your children. This is not always the case, and having an experienced Arlington Heights family law attorney from A. Traub & Associates represent you in negotiations can make a significant difference in your post-divorce life. Call our office at 630-426-0196 to set up an initial consultation today.

Source:

https://www.custodyxchange.com/articles/parenting-plan.php