Illinois parents going through a divorce have a lot more on their plate than the average couple. Regardless of the reasons for divorce, most couples want to make the process as easy as possible for their children.
That’s why many parents work together to create a parenting plan. The parenting plan can help parents make sure that both parents remain on the same page when it comes to parenting styles, even years after the divorce.
What should be included in the parenting plan?
The parenting plan will address things such as medical decisions, education, religion, extracurricular activities and the responsibilities of each parent. Some parenting plans also address how certain topics – such as “the talk” or politics – should be handled around the children.
Parenting plans also outline the specific decision-making responsibilities of each parent. Most parents have shared decision-making, but in some circumstances, one parent will have sole or final decision-making authority.
A comprehensive parenting plan will specify a regular parenting time schedule and a schedule for holidays, special events and activities.
There’s no one size fits all parenting plan, and your parenting plan should take your child’s interests and wishes into account. Sometimes your parenting plan might need to be adjusted for various reasons, which is why you should be flexible.
Have a plan for communication
The parenting plan should address a lot of the common questions so that the parents can present a united front, even while divorced. However, it’s impossible to expect that you’ll never have to talk to your ex-spouse again.
That’s why your parenting plan should address how parents should communicate and make decisions regarding their children. Overall, you and your ex-spouse both love your children and just want the best for them – that’s why the parenting plan exists, to ease a lot of the tension that comes with raising kids after divorce.
