When two parents either divorce or are no longer together, having a healthy co-parenting plan is vital for a healthy and stable future for the child and the parents. However, not all parents know the most beneficial way to co-parent in a healthy manner. The goal is to reduce conflict and help the children thrive.
About Us
Stange Law Firm practices family law in Springfield, Illinois. We have been helping Springfield families with custody, parenting plans, and co-parenting transitions since 2007. We have both legal and lived experience with custody disputes, and we use both to guide parents in the legal process. We strive to provide the quality legal support needed during this difficult time.
Our family law attorneys regularly appear in the Sangamon County Courthouse (200 South 9th Street) and are familiar with the local rules, mediation resources, and courts in Sangamon County.
Illinois Relevant Laws
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act calls child custody “allocation of parental responsibilities.” The statute directs the court to make custody and parenting time decisions in the child(ren) ‘s best interests.
The law requires judges to divide decision-making and parenting time with the best interests of the child(ren) as the primary factor in the custody case. Judges retain the power to approve joint parenting plans or to make orders in contested situations where parents fail to reach an agreement.
The Illinois law also requires parents to submit a written parenting plan agreed upon by both parents. If the parents cannot agree, the court must allocate parenting time. The statute mandates courts to evaluate factors including the child’s needs and both parents’ relationships with the child, as well as the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community settings.
In Illinois, single-parent households account for 34% of all child households. The United States has the highest percentage of single-parent households worldwide, with nearly one in three children being raised by a single parent. Over 80% of children in single-parent households nationwide reside with their mothers.
Put the Child’s Schedule First
Children do better with consistent schedules and routines. Both parents need to maintain consistency in school drop-off times, bedtimes, homework routines, and extracurricular activities across their separate households.
A shared calendar system offers parents a reliable way to track events and avoid last-minute scheduling issues. For their children’s benefit, both parents should establish the same rules regarding screen time, homework, and bedtime routines wherever possible. Kids experience less anxiety and stress when parents are on the same page.
Keep Communication Focused on the Child
Keep conversations with the other parent on the facts about your children, including schedules, health care needs, and school updates. Avoid bringing up past relationship issues or blame in emails, texts, or verbal conversations.
Use short, specific emails or a co-parenting app to keep track of arrangements and minimize miscommunication. Writing things down also creates a record of your communications and may limit emotional reactions and flare-ups that can upset your children.
Establish a Consistent Routine for Drop Off and Pick Up
Drop-offs and pick-ups are high-conflict exchanges. Neutral drop-off/pick-up locations can help co-parents limit or avoid conflict, keeping exchanges brief, consistent, and predictable so the children know what to expect each time. Parents who prefer limited or no contact may wish to use a supervised or third-party handoff to keep exchanges as stress-free as possible.
Try to Agree on Major Life Decisions Together
Major decisions, such as school selection, extracurricular activities, or medical treatments, should be made cooperatively. Parents should receive a written allocation of decision-making that specifies when they must consult each other and how to resolve disagreements, such as through mediation or the appointment of a tiebreaker.
When parents cannot cooperate, they should maintain documentation of communications and follow the court-ordered procedures to ensure a clear paper trail in case the court needs to intervene.
Use Professional Support
Parents who have communication challenges or cannot reach practical agreements without a long and costly courtroom battle should consider mediation. Parenting coordinators, family therapists, and co-parenting classes can help parents develop new skills, such as conflict de-escalation and shared decision-making. In many Springfield family law cases, mediation can shorten disputes and reduce the potential for long-term parent-to-parent conflict.
FAQs
Q: What Should a Co-Parenting Plan Include in Illinois?
A: A co-parenting plan may provide information regarding where the child will live, how decisions will be made, when parenting time will be exercised, and how disagreements between the parents will be handled. The plan should, at a minimum, address a child’s education, health care, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities, as required by Illinois law. Well-drafted plans should help to eliminate miscommunication and maintain each parent’s responsibility.
Q: Can a Parenting Plan Be Changed in Illinois?
A: Yes, modifications to parenting plans are possible if there has been a substantial change of circumstances. These changes can include relocation, changes in income, or changes in the child’s needs. Either parent can file a motion for modification with the court. The judge will grant a modification only if it’s in the child’s best interest, as is standard in Illinois courts.
Q: What if My Co-Parent Refuses to Follow the Parenting Plan?
A: If your co-parent repeatedly disregards the terms of your parenting plan, keep a record of all violations and speak with your attorney. You can file a petition for enforcement in the local family court in Springfield. The court may award makeup parenting time, change custody provisions, or sanction a co-parent who does not comply.
Q: How Can an Attorney Help With Co-Parenting Issues?
A: A skilled family law attorney can assist you with drafting, modifying, or enforcing a parenting plan. They can help you mediate conflicts, safeguard your parental rights, and ensure all decisions are in compliance with Illinois custody laws. Legal support minimizes conflict and helps establish a co-parenting agreement in your child’s best interest.
Contact Stange Law Firm Today
A healthy co-parenting plan can help each party involved have a smoother and more stable future, including the children. Stange Law Firm can help you formulate and enforce a co-parenting plan. Contact us today for more information.