Common Disputes Over Illinois Parenting Time and Parental Responsibilities

 Posted on October 09, 2020 in Illinois Family Law Attorney

When you and your spouse decide to get a divorce, hopefully, you will both place a high priority on your children’s best interests. This can often be a good starting point for a cooperative agreement, but it can also lead to conflict if the two of you have very different ideas about what is best for your children and the best way to maintain your relationship with them. As you work to establish a parenting plan, you should watch out for some of the common disputes that co-parents face.

Parenting Plan Conflicts in Illinois

Chances are, you and your spouse will have some disagreements regarding your parenting plan, with the following questions all possibly leading to sticking points:

• Where will the children spend most of their time? Both you and your spouse likely value your time with your children, and it can be difficult to adjust to a situation in which your children spend significant time living apart from you. Conflict may arise over whether the children should spend equal time with both parents, or whether a balance that gives more time to one parent is in their best interest.
• Which parent will have the kids on holidays? Birthdays, school breaks, and holidays are often important times for families, and they can be especially difficult to manage after a divorce. In order for both parents to have the quality time you want with your children on holidays, you will likely need to reach a compromise in which you alternate years or rearrange plans so that your children can celebrate with both parents each year.
• How will you maintain your children’s routine? Divorce creates a major interruption to your children’s lives, and it is important that you do everything possible to maintain their routines. However, this can be difficult when the children are splitting time between two households. You and your spouse may struggle to create a plan in which you share the same understanding of and commitment to household rules and expectations.
• How will you introduce a new partner to your children? This may present a conflict especially when one parent is planning to move in with a new partner soon after the divorce. You may have questions or concerns about your children spending some of their time living with someone whom they barely know, and how that person may influence parenting decisions.

Contact an Arlington Heights Divorce Attorney

At the Cosley Law Office, we know how important decisions regarding your children are during the divorce process, and we can advise you in creating a parenting plan that protects their interests and addresses your concerns. Contact a skilled Rolling Meadows divorce lawyer to request a free consultation at 847-253-3100.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000