Important Provisions to Consider in Your Illinois Parenting Plan

 Posted on December 09, 2020 in Child Custody

Some of the most contentious issues in a divorce are often the issues that revolve around the children, such as parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. Before a couple with children can divorce, they must come to a consensus on all of these issues and put their agreement in writing into what is called a parenting plan. If you and your spouse are able to come up with the agreement on your own, this can be extremely helpful in the long run. Keeping the negotiations between you and your spouse, rather than taking the issue to court, also allows you to personalize your parenting plan and include provisions that are specific to your family’s situation. 

Items to Address in Your Parenting Agreement

Though you should further discuss your parenting plan with an Illinois divorce lawyer, here are a few things you should consider adding to your Illinois parenting plan:

• Dietary standards for your child: Though it may sound strange, in some cases, one parent may want their child to follow a certain diet. For example, a parent may want their child to follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet. Including a provision in the parenting plan could help ensure both parents stick to the diet.

• Disciplinary rules and expectations: Another thing that is a good idea to include in your parenting plan is a set of guidelines on how you agree to discipline your child. You and your co-parent should be on the same page when it comes to discipline. If your child breaks a rule but receives a different punishment at each of your homes, they may become confused. Establishing disciplinary rules for both co-parents to follow helps maintain a sense of stability for the child.

• Introducing new partners to your child: You and your ex-spouse will likely start to date again and may even end up remarrying at some point. The first relationship you have after your divorce can be difficult for your ex, especially when it comes time to introduce your new partner to your child. Because this is such an emotionally-fueled situation, it is always a good idea to include a provision regarding how you and your ex will introduce new partners to your children. 

Contact Our Wheaton, IL Parenting Plan Attorneys

When you get a divorce, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting, especially when it comes to negotiating issues involving your children. Working with your spouse and a skilled DuPage County parenting plan lawyer to come to an agreement on a parenting plan is often the best move you can make, rather than taking your issues to court. At the Goostree Law Group, our attorneys have more than 80 years of family law experience and strive to help you create parenting plans that are in your child’s best interest. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at 630-364-4046.

Sources:

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/8-things-not-to-leave-out-of-a-parenting-plan/

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/how-write-successful-parenting-plan-court-tips-and-tools