The Role of Parenting Plans in Illinois Divorce Cases

 Posted on May 16, 2019 in Child Custody

Getting a divorce when you have children is much different than getting a divorce when you do not have children. Couples who divorce and have children often face a more complicated and stressful situation than couples who do not have children. With the addition of children, there are many different things that must be addressed before you can finalize your divorce. In the state of Illinois, couples are required to have a parenting plan in place before their divorce can be completed. A parenting plan is a document that details the agreement between the couple and outlines many of the issues and procedures relating to the children, including how parenting time will be allocated and how decision-making responsibilities will be handled.

Before you go to court about your parenting plan, you must first attend mediation. Illinois courts believe that families benefit from the use of mediation when issues need to be settled, but they also understand that mediation does not work for everyone. If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement during mediation, you will have to take your case to court where a judge will make determinations about your case.

Components of a Parenting Plan

In your parenting plan, there are certain elements that must be present before the court will approve the plan. At a minimum, the parenting plan should contain information about:

• How important decision-making responsibilities will be allocated;
• The child’s living arrangements, including a schedule that outlines in whose custody the child will be on specific days or a formula for figuring out the parenting time schedule;
• Each parent’s ability and right to access the child’s medical records, child care records and school and extracurricular records, reports and schedules;
• The child’s residential address for school enrollment purposes;
• Each parent’s residence address, phone number, place of employment, employment address and work phone number;
• The procedure that governs in the event the parent intends to change residences;
• The procedure that a parent must follow in the event of emergencies, health care, travel plans or other significant child-related issues;
• How the child will be transported between households;
• How communication between child and parent will be handled during the other parent’s parenting time;
• How issues will be resolved in the future if a modification of the parenting plan is requested; and
• Any other issues that the parents or the court deem appropriate.

Talk With a DuPage County Child Custody Lawyer Today

It can be overwhelming to think about all of the issues that need to be settled before you can finalize your divorce. When you bring children into the picture, that adds even more to your plate. If you are trying to figure out a parenting plan for your family, you need help from a knowledgeable Wheaton, IL parenting plan attorney. At the Goostree Law Group, we can help you make sure your parenting plan covers everything and benefits you and your children. Call our office today at 630-364-4046 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

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