St. Charles, IL Parenting Agreements Attorneys

Skilled Parenting Plan Lawyers Serving Geneva, Elgin, Aurora, and Kane County

As of 2016 and under the revised Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, parenting plans are now required when filing for parental responsibilities or parenting time (previously known as child custody and visitation). Submitting a parenting agreement to the court has long been an option for parents going through a divorce, separation, or paternity dispute.

The new law prescribes a specific deadline for submitting a parenting plan and addresses disputes over parenting plans. At Shaw Sanders, P.C. in Kane County, we have 30 years of experience helping clients create parenting plans that achieve their objectives and protect the rights that are important to them.

Deadline for Filing Parenting Plans in Kane County

You now have up to 120 days from filing for divorce or parental responsibilities to submit a parenting plan to the court. The parenting plan must include an allocation of parental responsibilities (previously called child custody) and determinations of parenting time. If both parties cannot come to an agreement on a parenting plan, each party may submit his or her own plan to the court. The court will then hold a hearing to assess what parenting plan is in the best interest of the child(ren).

While 120 days may seem like a long time, that deadline will come up faster than you expect it to. It is important to start to negotiate these matters with your co-parent promptly so that an agreement can be reached if possible. Our attorneys are practiced in negotiating these matters. With your priorities and objectives as our guide, we will fight for the best possible outcome for you and your children.

At the same time, we are mindful that cooperation is important when working out a parenting agreement. Mediation can be helpful in the process of coming to an agreement prior to filing a parenting plan. It is in everyone's best interests for both parents to agree on a parenting plan and avoid the court's involvement in deciding these matters, as it will save both parties time, expense, and aggravation (both present and future).

Understanding the Child's Best Interests

As mentioned previously, all parenting plans must adhere to a child's best interests. Understanding the legal definition of "best interests" under Illinois law is important for making a legally sound petition to the courts of family law. It is easier to think of as not just one factor, but several considerations that a judge will take into account. When a parenting plan is presented to the court, the judge may look to see if the plan addresses the child's need for education, stability in their home life, and social and emotional wellness. The judge is also allowed to consider both the wishes of the child and the parents when making custody decisions.

At Shaw Sanders, P.C., our lawyers can provide you with one-on-one assistance with the drafting of your parenting plan. We will work to help you reach a healthy, long-term solution for your family, making sure the parenting plan addresses your child's best interests.

Contact Our St. Charles, Illinois Child Custody Lawyers

If you are involved in a divorce or separation that includes children, contact our firm by calling 630-584-5550 to set up a complimentary consultation today. Our lawyers can explain the changes to the law in Illinois, how these changes will affect you, and what you can expect from the legal process. Our Kane County parenting plan attorneys strongly advocate for the rights of our clients and our clients' children. We are both strong negotiators and litigators, and we strive to resolve parenting matters effectively, efficiently, and amicably. Shaw Sanders, P.C. serves clients in Kane County, IL and surrounding towns and cities from our offices in St. Charles.