New Year Resolutions for Illinois Co-Parents After Divorce

 Posted on December 17, 2020 in Family Law

Whether you were never married, you are in the middle of a separation, or you are already divorced, co-parenting with an ex is a very challenging responsibility. This is especially true if you and your ex do not agree about parenting time, parental responsibilities, or other child-related issues. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sharing custody of your child with an ex. However, there are some strategies that have proven to be helpful for many parents as well as the children in their care.

Take an Honest Look at What Is Working and What Is Not

You and your child’s other parent probably share at least one thing in common: You both want what is best for your kids. The end of the year can be a great time to evaluate what is working and what is not working regarding your co-parenting arrangement. If you decide that some changes would help things run more smoothly, you have the option of modifying your parenting plan. To do so, you will file a petition to modify the parenting plan with the court. Then, you and the other parent will attend a hearing in which you explain your reasons for requesting a modification. Illinois judges grant parenting plan modifications when they believe that the change is in the child’s best interests.

Consider Using Email or Text Communication if You Are Experiencing Conflict

If your co-parenting relationship is like that of most divorced couples, there is probably still a bit of resentment or anger between you and your ex. This can make effective communication difficult. One thing that has helped many co-parents communicate more effectively is technology. Email or text messages are often much less confrontational than in-person conversations. With a text or email, you can think about what you are going to say before you say it. This can help both parents avoid saying things they do not mean in the heat of the moment. There are also several computer and phone applications that can help parents keep track of child-related expenses, parenting time schedules, and other important issues. Furthermore, having a record of this communication can be very useful if parenting disputes do arise in the future.

Contact a Will County Child Custody Lawyer

Co-parenting with your ex-spouse can prove difficult, especially if you do not see eye to eye on child-related matters. If you are interested in modifying your parenting time or parental responsibilities, or you have other child custody concerns, a distinguished Joliet, IL family law attorney from the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help. Call our Plainfield office today at 815-733-5350 or our Joliet office at 815-666-1285 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000