Customizing a Parenting Plan in Illinois

 Posted on November 29, 2021 in Divorce

Parenting plans are classically understood as legal instruments that detail how parents will share their children’s schedules and needs after a divorce is finalized. Parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities, holiday schedules, and the right of first refusal are agreed upon by parents or mandated by the court, and then codified into a legally enforceable parenting plan. 

In addition to covering only the essentials, parenting plans can be written to include highly specific details about many issues that parents may confront. If you are interested in a parenting agreement that contains more specific provisions, read on. 

Additional Concerns in Illinois Parenting Plans 

According to Illinois law, certain issues must be addressed in every parenting plan. In addition to the aforementioned topics, parents must also agree on transportation and pick-up and drop-off arrangements, electronic communication when one parent is not with the children, potential relocation with the children, and how to make changes to the parenting plan. 

Parents, especially those who easily find themselves arguing over small issues, can go even further. For example, many parents have addressed the following: 

•  Specific household rules, such as bedtime, chores, homework deadlines, and daily requirements for practicing musical instruments or athletics

• Disciplinary strategies, including when parents need to inform each other about behavioral problems 

• Requiring children to purchase certain items with their own money (rather than one parent buying endless clothes, gifts, or toys)

• Limiting children’s electronics usage, including whether personal social media accounts are permitted

• Whether the child is permitted to be around adults using alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana

• Dietary restrictions, including allergies and weight management strategies

• Strategies for introducing children to a parent’s new partner

Detailed Parenting Plans Can Prevent Conflict

Parents have different ideas when it comes to raising children - that is often one of the reasons couples separate. Left unaddressed, these differences can turn into arguments after a divorce. But if parents recognize that each household will have slightly different strategies, they can put the most important issues in a detailed parenting plan and agree to disagree on other things. As you write your parenting agreement, keep in mind that everything must be legal and approved by an Illinois court.

Work with an Experienced DuPage County Parenting Plan Lawyer

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we have worked with countless parents and helped them craft a parenting agreement that meets their specific needs. Your Wheaton, IL parenting plan attorney will work side-by-side with you to help you understand Illinois family law while ensuring your priorities are understood. We pride ourselves on client satisfaction and look forward to showing you what we can do for you. Schedule a confidential consultation today by calling our offices at 630-462-9500. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.10