Tips for Creating a Successful Parenting Plan During Your Illinois Divorce
Whether you and your soon-to-be-ex are on good terms, or you cannot stand to be in the same room together, one thing is certain: Co-parenting with someone to whom you used to be married is hard. Even if you initially agree on child custody terms, disagreements and complications are bound to arise. This is why it is so important to build a strong parenting plan during your divorce. A well-thought-out parenting plan can help you and your child’s other parent focus on what really matters: Your kids.
Try to Work Out an Agreement that Minimizes Conflict
When parents divorce, they are required to submit a parenting plan to the court for approval. If the parents cannot agree on the plan, the case may eventually end up at trial. Child custody disputes are stressful for adults and children. If you can, try to reach an out-of-court agreement. Mediation may be a useful tool if you and the other parent are able to discuss issues cooperatively. However, if the situation is more contentious, negotiating an agreement through your attorneys may be the better option.
Include More Than the Bare Minimum
Illinois law describes 15 different issues that must be addressed in your parenting plan. You will need a parenting time schedule or detailed method for determining parenting time, an allocation of decision-making responsibilities, information about how the children will be transported between households, and much more. However, parents are encouraged to include additional information. The more detailed your parenting plan, the better. Consider the parenting obstacles you may encounter in the future and make a plan for how to deal with them. For example, which parent will get to spend time with the child on his or her birthday? How will parents transport the children to and from extracurriculars? How much time will children spend with grandparents and other family members? The more you can decide on in advance, the less you will have to decide in the heat of the moment.
Establish a Method for Communicating with the Other Parent
In today’s modern world, communication is easier than ever. However, discussing child-related concerns with an ex-spouse can sometimes feel like navigating through landmines. Text-based communication may help you avoid arguments and miscommunications caused by in-person conversations and phone calls. Email and text messages can help you share information clearly and ensure that you have proof of what was said. There are also co-parenting apps like Co Parently and Cozi that help you organize schedules, documents, and notes all on your smartphone.
Sources:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.10
https://www.parents.com/parenting/best-co-parenting-apps/
