Is it Possible for My Ex-Spouse and Me to Have Flexibility With Our Parenting Time (Formerly Known as Visitation)?

DuPage County Attorneys Discuss Flexibility in Parenting Time Arrangements

When you and your spouse decide to officially end your marriage and get a divorce, there are many issues to address, including the division of assets and the calculation of child support. One of the most pressing matters related to child custody is determining when and for how long you will see your children. Parenting time, formerly known as visitation, is without a doubt an important topic. Parenting time is the amount of time a parent spends with the child or children. During this allocated time, the parent oversees the child's daily schedule, nutritional needs, and general well-being. Parenting time does not refer to the authority to make major decisions; the allocation of parental responsibilities determines this. Note that parenting time may also apply to you even if you and your co-parent were never married.

Our dedicated team of Wheaton, IL attorneys at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC can help you navigate through this process, and we will work to protect your rights as a parent. We have decades of experience helping parents create parenting time schedules that work well for all parties involved.

How Parenting Time Schedules Are Determined

If you and your ex-partner are struggling to create a parenting plan that pleases everyone, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced attorney. Each parenting plan varies based on a family's unique situation, but it is important to remember that in Illinois, there is not a minimum amount of parenting time required by law. Throughout the process of determining the time you will have with your children, you may be awarded a temporary parenting time schedule while the final details are worked out.

There are many factors involved in creating a parenting time schedule, including:

• The child's wishes;
• The distance between the parents' houses (i.e., weeknight parenting time may not be feasible for a parent living a long distance away);
• The desires of each parent;
• Each parent's level of participation in child care during the past two years;
• Transportation and logistics issues;
• The child's safety and well-being during visitations; and
• The willingness of each parent to co-parent amicably.

Once the parenting time schedule has been established, it is not unreasonable for either parent to desire flexibility in the schedule from time to time. While many parenting time schedules involve alternating weekends, the reality is that a parenting time schedule can be as flexible as both parties want it to be.

If you would like to create a more flexible arrangement, it is important to work with a child custody lawyer to ensure that you understand your rights before making any changes or deviations in your parenting time schedules. Significant changes to your parenting plan may require mediation or a modification to your existing parenting plan.

Contact Our DuPage County Parenting Time Lawyers

If you have concerns about your parenting time arrangements, contact an attorney to discuss your needs. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we have decades of experience creating parenting plans. To schedule an initial consultation, contact our Wheaton, IL law office at 630-665-7300. We represent clients throughout DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties.