Understanding the Legal Requirements for Parenting Plans in Illinois

Illinois legally requires divorcing parents to submit a parenting plan to the court within 120 days of filing for divorce. This important document must outline custody logistics, including the child's primary residence, each parent's allotted parenting time and schedule, procedures for sharing information and records related to the child, transportation details for exchanges, decision-making authority on major issues, and any limitations on moving out of state with the child. 

Understanding these baseline legal requirements for parenting plans is an essential first step.

Make Your Child the Priority

While following the mandated legal guidelines, the most critical factor when designing your parenting plan should be your child's best interests. Carefully consider the complete picture of your child's needs, including their physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Assess their relationships with each parent, personality, age, school, and extracurricular activities. Your plan should reflect their unique needs to stabilize and support their growth and development after the divorce.

Build in Flexibility

Though having a detailed and thorough parenting plan is important, also make sure to build reasonable flexibility wherever possible. Children grow and change quickly, and unanticipated life circumstances can arise. Try to create a plan that includes contingencies and the ability to revisit details if certain aspects prove unworkable. However, too much vagueness can create conflict, so find a balance.

Communicate Respectfully with Your Co-Parent

A successful parenting plan requires open, frequent, and respectful communication with your co-parent. Listen carefully to their perspective and priorities, and express your own. Identify areas of agreement and compromise where you have differences. If you are unable to agree, consider mediation or consulting an attorney. The goal should be finding solutions together in your child's best interest.

Customize the Details for Your Family

Every family's situation is unique, so take the time to thoughtfully craft your parenting plan to suit your child's needs. Think creatively about how to make joint custody work for your circumstances, and do not be afraid to include innovative or non-traditional solutions. You can customize a plan tailored to your family relationships and requirements with care, compromise, and communication.

Contact an Illinois Family Lawyer

Divorce can be messy, but when children and parenting plans are involved, it is especially important to ensure all details are handled appropriately. A Geneva Illinois child custody attorney can provide invaluable guidance in managing the process. Call The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. at 630-409-8184 today.

Source: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.10.htm