Parenting Plans
Formally Joint Parenting Agreements
A parenting plan is a court order awarding the parental rights and responsibilities for one’s children. The purpose of a parenting plan is to address all the issues involved in the child’s welfare, including the allocation of health, education, religion, extracurricular activities, and parenting time.
When the parents of a child have a cordial relationship and communicate well with each other, they may be able to develop a parenting plan to determine the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time for their child. However, not all parents can come to mutually agreeable terms.
If you and your ex-spouse want different things for your children, it is best to seek assistance from an experienced family law attorney. Scott W. Sheen & Associates offers knowledgeable and caring guidance in complicated family matters. We have helped countless families find a schedule and develop parenting plans that balance parental rights with the best interest of the children involved.
A parenting plan is a court order that governs the ability to make decisions for your child. This refers to the parental responsibilities for the child.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
Parenting Time: regarding health, education, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Make day-to-day decisions for the children when they have them, such as routine discipline, minor medical treatment, curfew, chores, and hygiene
- Give the other parent the name, address, and telephone number of any healthcare provider for the children
- Have access to the children’s school records, childcare information, extracurricular activity schedules, and medical, dental, and mental health records unless access is denied by the court
- Notify the parent as soon as possible of emergencies, healthcare, travel plans, or other significant child-related issues
- A detailed schedule for parenting time for each parent
Parenting Time
Parenting time is the time a child spends with a parent, formally visitation. The judge usually gives both parents liberal parenting time, but time is not always equal.
In Illinois, all parents are required by the court to file, either separately or jointly, a proposed parenting plan after filing a divorce action. The parenting plan must be in writing and signed by both parents.
Post Judgement Motions
When a Finalized Parenting Agreement Requires Modification
As children develop, their needs change, so some families need to revise their parenting plans. If a plan is not meeting your child(ren) needs as they grow, or if a relocation may impact your parenting plan, we can help you seek a modification. We can also explore collaborative solutions to help you avoid a battle for parental responsibilities in court.