Creative Parenting Plan Solutions for Your Illinois Divorce

 Posted on September 12, 2017 in Family Law

When parents file for divorce, they are required to complete a parenting plan document which outlines their wishes on parenting time and the allocation of parental responsibilities. Of course, since every family is unique, each parenting plan is (and should be) different. However, these variances in needs, desires, and circumstances can make what sounds like a straightforward process rather complicated. Learn how to make the most of your parenting plan by adopting some creative parenting plan solutions that may address your family’s unique needs.

Consider Your Child’s Age

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes that parents make when designing their parenting plan is not taking their child’s age, activities, or personality into account – yet these factors can greatly influence their specific needs. For example, it might make sense for an infant who has spent most of their life with a stay-at-home parent to have more parenting time with that parent. However, child mental health professionals typically recommend more frequent transitions for young children, as they need a great deal of time with both parents to ensure proper bonding. Depending on your situation, a two day stay with one parent, & then a two day stay with the other parent, and then three days back with the first parent may be the appropriate schedule until the child is a bit older. At that point, the family may want to consider going to a 2-2-5 parenting arrangement, instead.

Communicate in a Way That Works for You

As much as parents may dislike or disagree with one another, they must still communicate effectively when it comes to their child. There will be changes in plans (e.g., a school play is canceled at the last minute, or basketball practice gets moved to Thursdays). There may be behavioral concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, problems at school). Develop your plan on how to deal with these situations now – long before they arise. Some parents can sit down together over a cup of coffee. Others do better at communicating through email or text message. (Remember that the point is to avoid contentiousness, and to ensure that all conversations stay focused on your child.)

Be Realistic About Your Own Availability

You can craft the best parenting plan in the world, but if you are not realistic about your own availability, that plan will ultimately fail. Remember that, while ideally, you would rather spend as much time with your child as possible, in reality, it is far better to show up consistently and less often than it is to break promises or risk non-compliance with a parenting plan order. Furthermore, your child may feel more at ease, just knowing when they can count on you being there.

Contact Our Hillside, IL Divorce Lawyer

You know your child and your family best, but the complexity of a parenting plan can make it easy to overlook certain details. Reduce the risk of this happening to your family by ensuring that you have an experienced legal representative by your side, right from the start. Contact the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. for skilled guidance and assistance with your Illinois parenting plan. Call 708-449-7400 to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our Hillside, IL divorce lawyer today.

Source:

http://www.parents.com/parenting/divorce/coping/making-shared-custody-work/