Creating a parenting plan is an essential part of the divorce process for parents in Illinois. A parenting plan outlines how you and your ex-spouse will share parental responsibilities and parenting time. However, creating a parenting plan can be difficult, and there are mistakes that you should avoid making to ensure the best outcome for your children and family. As you embark on creating your parenting plan, consult with an experienced family law attorney, who will help ensure you complete your parenting plan successfully.

Mistakes to Avoid Making

Here are some common mistakes to avoid making when creating your parenting plan in Illinois, including:

• Not considering the child’s best interests – When creating a parenting plan, the child’s best interests should be the primary consideration. This means considering the child’s age, health, education, and emotional needs. Ensure that your parenting plan is designed to meet your child’s needs, not just yours.
• Failing to be specific – Your parenting plan should be specific and detailed. This means outlining the particular days and times each parent will have parenting time and how holidays, vacations, and special occasions will be shared—the more specific the parenting plan, the less room for ambiguity and conflict.
• Missing deadlines - In Illinois, the parenting plan must be filed to the court within 120 days after the divorce petition has been filed with the court. Both parents must also sign the plan.
• Not considering logistics – Logistics are essential when creating a parenting plan. You should take into account the location of each parent’s residence, the child’s school, and any extracurricular activities. Your parenting plan should be designed to minimize disruptions to your child’s daily routine.
• Not including contingencies – Your parenting plan should include contingencies for unexpected events, such as illness, travel, or changes in work schedules. This will help ensure that your parenting plan remains flexible and can adapt to changing circumstances.
• Failing to communicate – Effective communication is essential when creating a parenting plan. Both parents should be open and honest about their concerns and needs. It is also important to listen to the other parent’s perspective and be willing to compromise.
• Not seeking professional advice – Creating a parenting plan can be complex, and it is important to seek professional advice. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your parenting plan meets the legal requirements of Illinois.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Family Law Attorney

Contact the DuPage County family law lawyers with Andrew Cores Family Law Group for additional information. Call 630-407-1225 for a free consultation.

When going through a divorce, one of the most important steps is to ensure that all assets are identified and properly divided. However, some spouses may attempt to hide assets in order to avoid having to divide them in the divorce settlement. If you suspect that your spouse may be hiding assets, there are several steps you can take to uncover them. First, remember to hire a divorce attorney to ensure you understand your rights and the options at your disposal.

Take These Steps Now

The first step is to gather financial records and documentation. This can include bank statements, tax returns, investment account statements, and any other financial documents that may be relevant. Look for discrepancies or unusual transactions that indicate that your spouse is hiding assets.

Next, strongly consider hiring a forensic accountant or financial investigator. These professionals are trained to uncover hidden assets and analyze financial records to identify irregularities or discrepancies. They may also be able to provide testimony in court if needed. You can also consider hiring a private investigator. They can help gather evidence of your spouse’s financial activities, such as bank account information, property ownership, and other financial records.

A parenting plan is a crucial document that outlines how parents will care for their children after a divorce or separation. In the state of Illinois, parenting plans are required in all cases involving children. Despite their importance, many things need clarification regarding Illinois parenting plans that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Recently, we wrote a blog about the signs a parenting plan may need to be updated. Today, we will look at the most common misconceptions regarding parenting plans in Illinois.

Remember, if you have questions about creating a parenting plan, contact an experienced child custody attorney to ensure the process is followed correctly and meets the needs of all parties involved.

Misconception #1 – “A parenting plan is only necessary if parents cannot agree on custody.”

In Illinois, a parenting plan outlines the rights and responsibilities of each parent regarding the child's upbringing. It is a legally binding document that helps parents navigate their relationship with their children after a divorce or separation. However, sometimes the circumstances of the parents and the child change, making it necessary to modify the parenting plan. If you ever need to update your parenting plan, contact a parenting plan attorney to ensure your updated circumstances can be accurately reflected in an updated parenting plan.

Indicative Signs You Need to Update Your Parenting Plan

Change in living arrangements – If one parent moves to a different state, city, or even a new neighborhood, it can disrupt the current parenting plan. The distance between the parents' homes may make it challenging to adhere to the parenting time schedule, and the child's education and extracurricular activities may also be affected.

• Change in work schedule – If one or both parents' work schedules change, it can affect their ability to spend time with the child. For example, if one parent starts working night shifts, they may be unable to pick up or drop off the child at school or attend extracurricular activities.
• Change in the child's needs – As a child grows, their needs and interests may change. For example, a child who once enjoyed spending time with one parent may now prefer spending time with the other parent.
• Change in parent's health – If one parent's health deteriorates, they may be unable to fulfill their parenting responsibilities as per the existing plan. For example, if one parent becomes physically disabled, they may not be able to pick up or drop off their child at school or bring them to after-school activities.
• Change in parent's financial standing – If one parent experiences a significant change in their financial situation, it can affect their ability to provide for the child. For example, if a parent gets laid off, they may not be able to pay child support or provide the child with the same standard of living.

Contact a DuPage County Child Custody Attorney

Ultimately, a parenting plan is a crucial document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each parent after a divorce. However, circumstances may arise that require the plan to be updated. If you ever find yourself in this situation, contact the experienced Wheaton, IL child custody lawyers with Andrew Cores Family Law Group. Call 630-407-1225 for a free consultation.

In case you are unaware, two distinct options exist for those going through a divorce who wish to avoid traditional litigation. These two options are collaborative law and mediation. Each has its unique features and benefits. However, they are often misunderstood and thought to be the same thing. Today, we will discuss the essential differences between collaborative law and mediation to give you a better idea of what each process is like and when such processes may benefit a couple getting divorced.

If you are interested in pursuing collaborative law or mediation, consult an experienced attorney who can help you start the process while ensuring your rights are safeguarded.

Mediation

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution in which a neutral third party, referred to as the mediator, helps parties in a dispute reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator does not make decisions or impose solutions but facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties. Mediation is often less formal and less expensive than traditional litigation, allowing parties more control over the outcome of their dispute. Mediation can resolve various disputes, including family law matters, employment disputes, and business disputes.