Understanding the Basics of Parenting Plans in Illinois

 Posted on December 31, 2018 in Child Custody

Among all of the decisions made during a divorce, issues pertaining to children are some of the most important elements that must be settled. These issues can include parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and other child-centered concerns. All of these things will be covered in a parenting plan, which Illinois requires as a part of your divorce settlement if you have children. Parenting plans are written agreements that outline all legal issues, from which parent has a child and when to how decision-making responsibilities will be shared or divided. Parenting plans can be difficult to negotiate, but they can save a lot of headache in the future.

Elements of a Parenting Plan

Before you go before a judge to determine a parenting plan, Illinois courts allow you and your spouse to come up with your own agreement. If you cannot come up with your own parenting plan, you will be ordered to attend mediation to help you formulate a plan. If you still cannot come to an agreement, you will have to attend a court hearing so a judge can make decisions pertaining to your parenting plan.

You can include whatever you would like in your parenting plan, but there are certain things that are required to be included. At the very minimum, you must include:

• How significant decision-making responsibilities will be allocated between parents
• Information about the child’s living arrangements, such as a parenting time schedule describing when the child will be at each parent’s house
• How you will handle changes when one parent wants to modify the parenting plan
• Each parent’s access to the child’s records, including medical, dental, psychological, child care, school, and extracurricular records
• The child’s residential address (for school registration purposes only)
• Each parent’s address, place of employment, and employment address and phone number
• Provisions which require each parent to notify the other of emergencies, health care concerns, travel plans, and other significant child-centered issues
• Transportation arrangements
• Communication between a child and a parent when the child is in the care of the other parent
• Provisions for the right of first refusal when a parent is unavailable to care for the child during their scheduled parenting time
• Any other provision that addresses the child’s best interests

Get Help From a Rolling Meadows Parenting Plan Lawyer

If you are going through a divorce, you know how difficult it can be to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row. At the Cosley Law Office, we understand how emotional and stressful divorce can be. Our experienced and understanding Arlington Heights divorce attorneys can help you and your spouse come to an agreement about your parenting plan. Get in touch with our office today to get started drafting a parenting plan that works for your whole family. Call our office at 847-253-3100 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

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