Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your Illinois Parenting Plan

 Posted on April 27, 2023 in Child Custody

Creating a parenting plan is an essential part of the divorce process for parents in Illinois. A parenting plan outlines how you and your ex-spouse will share parental responsibilities and parenting time. However, creating a parenting plan can be difficult, and there are mistakes that you should avoid making to ensure the best outcome for your children and family. As you embark on creating your parenting plan, consult with an experienced family law attorney, who will help ensure you complete your parenting plan successfully.

Mistakes to Avoid Making

Here are some common mistakes to avoid making when creating your parenting plan in Illinois, including:

• Not considering the child’s best interests – When creating a parenting plan, the child’s best interests should be the primary consideration. This means considering the child’s age, health, education, and emotional needs. Ensure that your parenting plan is designed to meet your child’s needs, not just yours.
• Failing to be specific – Your parenting plan should be specific and detailed. This means outlining the particular days and times each parent will have parenting time and how holidays, vacations, and special occasions will be shared—the more specific the parenting plan, the less room for ambiguity and conflict.
• Missing deadlines - In Illinois, the parenting plan must be filed to the court within 120 days after the divorce petition has been filed with the court. Both parents must also sign the plan.
• Not considering logistics – Logistics are essential when creating a parenting plan. You should take into account the location of each parent’s residence, the child’s school, and any extracurricular activities. Your parenting plan should be designed to minimize disruptions to your child’s daily routine.
• Not including contingencies – Your parenting plan should include contingencies for unexpected events, such as illness, travel, or changes in work schedules. This will help ensure that your parenting plan remains flexible and can adapt to changing circumstances.
• Failing to communicate – Effective communication is essential when creating a parenting plan. Both parents should be open and honest about their concerns and needs. It is also important to listen to the other parent’s perspective and be willing to compromise.
• Not seeking professional advice – Creating a parenting plan can be complex, and it is important to seek professional advice. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your parenting plan meets the legal requirements of Illinois.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Family Law Attorney

Contact the DuPage County family law lawyers with Andrew Cores Family Law Group for additional information. Call 630-871-1002 for a free consultation.

Source - https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.10.htm