Common Parenting Plan Options for Divorcing Couples

Creating a parenting plan that prioritizes the children’s well-being is crucial when working through the divorce process. A well-thought-out parenting plan provides a roadmap for how parents will share responsibilities, time, and decision-making for their children post-divorce. When people are contemplating divorce they often ask what is “typical” or “common” for parenting plans?  The question is tricky because each family dynamic is unique and must be taken into consideration when determining what parenting plan will work for the parties and the children long-term…

The term “custody” is also thrown around quite a bit but is no longer used in Illinois divorce or parentage cases.  Instead of custody, the parties will enter into what is called an Allocation Judgment, which outlines the specific parenting time and decision-making authority of each parent.

The allocation or division of parenting time is one of the most common topics of discussion, where both parents share time with their children. When parents share in the parenting time it allows the child to maintain strong relationships with both parents and ensures that caregiving responsibilities are shared. Some of the more equally divided parenting time schedules that may be considered are as follows, for example only:

• Week-on, Week-off: The child spends one week with one parent and the next week with the other.
• 2-2-3 Schedule: The child spends two days with one parent, two days with the other, and then three days with the first parent, alternating the longer weekend period.
• Split Weeks: The child spends half of the week with one parent and the other half with the other parent.

These arrangements work well when both parents live relatively close to each other and can facilitate frequent transitions, along with allowing for a set parenting time structure that the children can follow.

When time is more limited for one parent then these parenting time schedules that may be considered are as follows, for example only:

• Every Other Weekend: The child spends every other weekend with the one parent and the other parent has the remainder of the time.
• Extended Holidays: The parent has extended time during holidays, summer vacations, and school breaks with limited time otherwise.
• Midweek Visits (with or without alternating weekends): The parent has a midweek visit to maintain more frequent contact.

This arrangement might be chosen when one parent’s work schedule, living situation, out-of-state residence, or other factors make it challenging to have significant parenting time.

Another aspect that must be considered involves both parents sharing decision-making responsibilities for their child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities (among other important aspects of their life). The parents can share in decision-making authority or one parent can be awarded sole decision-making authority for one or more of the four facets listed – education, health, religion and extracurricular.  If the parties wish to share in the decision-making aspect then that requires good communication between parents, as they need to collaborate on key decisions affecting their child’s life.

Then, there are other considerations that have become hot topics in determining options for parenting plans.  While nesting has gotten some publicity over the years, it is less common; it is an innovative arrangement where the child stays in one home, and the parents take turns living there. That way, instead of the child moving between homes, the parents rotate in and out according to the parenting time schedule. The child has the stability of staying in one place, with familiar surroundings, school, and community while both parents share the responsibility of maintaining the child’s home. This arrangement requires a high level of cooperation and financial resources, as it often involves maintaining three residences—one for each parent and the shared home for the child.

Outside of the typical or common parenting plan and decision-making options there is always an opportunity to share in open discussions about customizing flexible parenting plans to meet everyone’s needs and wants. For some families, a more flexible or customized parenting plan might be the best option. These plans are tailored to the unique needs of the child and the family’s circumstances, which may include variable schedules that change based on the parents’ work schedules, the child’s activities, or other factors.  There is also the opportunity to share holidays – where parents alternate or share holidays, ensuring the child spends important occasions with both parents.  Additionally, regular check-ins and adjustments to the plan based on the child’s evolving needs is imperative for it to work. This approach works well for parents who can communicate effectively and are willing to adjust their plan as circumstances change.

As you can see, creating a parenting plan is a crucial step in the divorce process. The best plan is one that serves the child’s best interests, providing stability, security, and support for the child while also taking each of the parents into consideration. It’s important to remember that every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Working with an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that the parenting plan is fair, realistic, and focused on the child’s well-being.  Reach out to Jennifer Ward of WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC today for a consultation on your case at 312-803-5838 or via email at jward@wardfamilylawchicago.com.

No matter what parenting plan is put in place, the key to a successful parenting plan is cooperation, communication, and a shared commitment to the child’s happiness and development. By working together, parents can create a plan that helps their child thrive in the midst of change.