Creating a well-crafted parenting plan in Illinois is a crucial step for parents with minor children who are going through a divorce or separation. This plan, while it may seem overwhelming at first, is the cornerstone for your child’s future. It delineates how you and your child’s other parent will share responsibilities and make decisions for your child. To prevent misunderstandings and ensure your child’s well-being, it’s vital to include all necessary details. Illinois law mandates a comprehensive parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child, and we’re here to guide you on what should be included.
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/600 et seq.), parents are required to file a parenting plan within 120 days after a petition for allocation of parental responsibilities is served. The plan should address significant decision-making responsibilities and parenting time arrangements. They emphasize that a detailed parenting plan can minimize conflicts and provide stability for your child.
We advise that each parenting plan be tailored to your family’s unique needs. This can prevent future conflicts and provide a sense of security for your child. Remember, your family is unique, and your plan should reflect that.
Yes, a parenting plan can be modified. According to 750 ILCS 5/610.5, you can request a modification if there is a significant change in circumstances and the change benefits the child. They suggest including a modification clause in your original plan to outline how future changes should be handled.
The “right of first refusal” means that if a parent needs childcare during
their allotted parenting time (not for work generally, but if a parent has an out of town trip, for example), they must offer the other parent the opportunity to care for the child before seeking outside childcare. This provision, detailed in 750 ILCS 5/602.3, promotes additional parenting time and can strengthen the parent-child relationship. They believe including this in your plan can be advantageous for all parties involved.
Illinois law considers several factors to determine the child’s best interests, as outlined in 750 ILCS 5/602.7(b). These include the child’s needs, the parent’s wishes, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and the mental and physical health of all parties. They focus on creating a parenting plan that aligns with these factors to support your child’s well-being.
Gordon & Perlut, LLC understands the importance of a well-crafted parenting plan in securing your child’s future. Our Skokie and Chicago parenting plan attorneys are dedicated to helping you create a plan that meets legal requirements and addresses your family’s unique needs. Our firm is committed to guiding you through this process with compassion and professionalism.
To discuss your parenting plan and ensure it complies with Illinois law, contact our Skokie parenting plan attorney at Gordon & Perlut, LLC by calling our Chicago office at 312-360-0250 or our Skokie office at 847-329-0101 to schedule a consultation. We represent clients throughout the Chicago Area from our office locations in Chicago and Skokie, Illinois. Our firm is ready to assist you in creating a parenting plan that serves the best interests of your child.