3 Errors to Avoid in Illinois Parenting Plans 

 Posted on March 19, 2025 in Child Custody

Divorcing parents in Illinois must create a parenting plan detailing how they will fulfill their parental obligations after divorce. If the parents can work together in the children's interest, they can make the parenting plan and submit it to the family court for approval. If they cannot agree, they may submit separate parenting plans. In either case, it is essential to avoid common parenting plan errors.

Review the common three parenting plan mistakes if you are an Illinois parent considering divorce. Then, contact an Illinois child custody attorney at McSwain Rapp Law, LLC to help develop a parenting plan that works for all parties and protects your children’s interests. As accomplished family law practitioners, we work diligently to achieve results that restore balance in our clients’ lives.

Underestimating the Parenting Plan’s Value

Your parenting plan is not merely another divorce-related document to complete. The parenting plan is a crucial opportunity for parents to decide early on how to raise the kids after the divorce. It must be in writing and signed by both parents to receive court approval. The more details you and your ex can determine now, the less that must be worked out months or years from now.

In addition, if one parent does not comply with the plan, the other parent can enforce the parenting plan through family court. For instance, suppose your children’s other parent is not bringing them back to your home after visitation at the time or date stated in the parenting plan. You can go to court to enforce the time the children will be dropped off. Never underestimate the importance of creating a strong parenting plan. It has many uses that will reduce stress and uncertainty for you and your children in future years.

Making a Handshake Parenting Agreement with Your Ex-Spouse

Some parents think they get along well enough with their ex that they can have an informal parenting agreement sealed with a handshake. However, parents may agree informally to provisions they do not follow; there may be hard feelings during the divorce that cause the other parent to pose challenges during the co-parenting process.

You have no legal recourse if your ex does not follow aspects of an informal parenting agreement. However, if your ex-spouse refuses to follow the court-ordered parenting plan, you can seek relief in court.

Not Including Holidays and Family Events

A vital aspect of the parenting plan is the parenting schedule. Many parents assume that a weekly or monthly plan is all that is needed. However, you must also account for holidays and special occasions in the parenting plan.

Ensure that your plan includes who will have the children during certain holidays and how parenting time will be divided. For example, a parenting plan might state that the children will stay with one parent for five days over Thanksgiving and the other five days at Christmas on a rotating basis, or it could divide both holidays so that the children are with each parent for part of Thanksgiving and part of Christmas. Do not leave holidays and special occasions out, or there may be unpleasant parenting disagreements in the future with your ex-spouse.

Contact a Kane County, IL Divorce Lawyer

If you are divorcing and have children, writing a strong parenting plan is essential. But you do not have to do it alone. An experienced DuPage County, IL divorce attorney at McSwain Rapp Law, LLC can help you devise a high-quality parenting plan and address other child custody concerns. Call 630-581-2877 today for a free legal consultation about child custody and parenting time matters concerning you.