Should the Right of First Refusal Be Included in My Parenting Plan?
During the divorce process, married couples who have children will need to address multiple types of legal issues related to child custody. The decisions made will be set down in a document known as a “parenting plan,” which will be part of the couple’s divorce decree. A parenting plan will state how parents will share the responsibility of making decisions about their children’s upbringing, and it will also include a schedule for the parenting time that children will spend with each parent. It can also address any other issues related to the couple’s children and the ways the parties will work together as co-parents. One issue that parents may want to address is the right of first refusal.
What Is the Right of First Refusal?
Following a divorce or separation, situations may arise in which a parent will not be available to care for their children during their scheduled parenting time. This may occur because of work-related responsibilities, health issues, or other scheduling conflicts. In these cases, the other parent may want to be able to take care of their children rather than having someone else provide care, such as a babysitter or another family member.
If parents include the right of first refusal in their parenting plan, this will ensure that a parent will be able to provide care for their children whenever possible. A right of first refusal clause will require one parent to contact the other parent and offer them the opportunity to care for the children in cases where they will be unavailable during their normal parenting time. Essentially, this will give the other parent the first opportunity to care for their children, and other child care options can only be considered if the parent refuses this opportunity.
When addressing the right of first refusal, a parenting plan should specify the circumstances in which this right will apply. For example, the right of first refusal clause may state that if a parent will be unavailable for at least six hours during the time that they are scheduled to have parenting time, they must contact the other parent and ask if they are available to care for the children. The parenting plan may also specify how parents will contact each other in these situations, detail transportation arrangements for children, and address any other issues that are necessary to protect the children’s best interests.
Contact Our Plainfield Parenting Plan Attorneys
As you determine what should be included in your parenting plan, you will need to work with an attorney who can explain your rights, help you negotiate with the other parent, and make sure your children’s best interests are protected. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help you address the right of first refusal and any other issues that will affect you and your children during your divorce. Contact our Will County child custody lawyers by calling 815-666-1285 to arrange your free consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.3
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