Divorce is never easy, particularly for the children in the situation. If you and your spouse have chosen to end your relationship, you’ll have some hurdles to overcome, but one that you both must pay attention to is the need to create a parenting plan that offers benefits to your kids. A Chicago parenting time attorney can help you structure and agreement that works for both you and your soon to be ex, but ensures that your children’s best interests are kept in mind.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
Before we dive too deep into the discussion, it’s important to establish what a parenting plan is in the first place. Essentially, this is an agreement that dictates a wide range of things about how you and your ex-spouse will deal with the children moving forward, including:
- How much time each parent will get with the kids
- Which holidays are spent with which parent (and how they are alternated)
- How important decisions regarding a range of vital areas of interest in the lives of your kids will be handled, including:
- Religion
- Health and healthcare
- Education
- Extracurricular activities such as sports or dance
What Are the Most Important Considerations in Creating a Parenting Plan?
The single most important consideration here is to make sure that you have legal guidance in creating a parenting plan. No two plans will be the same, as each family’s situation will be different. An experienced Chicago parenting time attorney knows exactly how to structure a parenting plan so that every need your kids have is met correctly.
Do You Need a Written Plan?
The short answer to the question posed above is “yes.” Why, though? Simply put, it’s vital that you get your parenting plan in writing. Otherwise, it’s your word against your spouse’s if a dispute crops up down the road. There’s not even any proof that there was a plan or agreement in place, to begin with. The plan will also need to be submitted and approved by the court as part of the divorce itself.
Not sure where to turn to structure your parenting plan, or what areas need to be covered in the plan? We invite you to the Law Offices of Michael C. Craven for a free initial consultation and the legal guidance you need.
