As a Chicago divorce attorney, I have seen firsthand how difficult dissolving a marriage can prove for my clients. A common challenge when working through the divorce process is agreeing on an effective co-parenting plan for your children.
Divorcing with children brings a whole set of parameters to work through. Even if you and your spouse are on amicable terms, consulting with Chicago divorce attorneys can offer a comprehensive range of benefits as you strive to effectively construct a solid co-parenting plan. Your Chicago divorce attorney can help you understand your rights as a parent, yet still work with you to keep an open mind on what’s best and most important for your children.
Putting Together Your Visitation Schedule: A Key Component In The Co-Parenting Plan
A major component in any effective co-parenting plan is a well-defined visitation schedule. When meeting with your Chicago divorce attorneys, be prepared to discuss options for different times throughout the year. This list should include weekends, weekdays, holidays, breaks and vacations. Chicago divorce attorneys will work with you to craft a schedule that is best for your children, while considering and incorporating your needs.
It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to a parenting schedule. When putting together your visitation schedule, consider the individual needs of each child. It is critical to discuss and consider the well being of each child in every decision you make. Does your child do well with change? Do you have a child who craves structure and routine? You’ll want to create a plan that offers more consistency. Working with your Chicago divorce attorneys to carefully outline the specifics, will ultimately increase the chances of creating a successful plan.
How To Prepare For Effectively Co-Parenting With Long Term Results
Of course, putting together your visitation schedule is simply one step towards successfully co-parenting. Other ways to ensure that you are constantly working towards what is best for your children includes a commitment to:
Communication: Constant, open and honest communication can make a major impact in your co-parenting experience. Do not wait for your former spouse to ask about upcoming events and milestones in your little ones’ lives; proactively discuss relevant details to ensure you are both on the same page.
Flexibility: Even when you have a very detailed parenting plan, exceptions will always occur. Whenever possible, work with your child’s other parent to modify the schedule as needed. Should you find yourselves at an impasse, agree to mediation first to keep from having to go to court.
Lifelong partnership: Quite often, when people begin to work with their divorce attorneys, they don’t realize that even though their marriage is ending, their relationship as a co-parent is not. Co-parenting means that you and your former spouse will be connected in some way forever. Staying focused on the big picture of this partnership can help you stay away from petty grievances and disagreements.
Michael C. Craven helps couples dissolve their marriages with compassion and integrity. If you are looking for qualified and experienced Chicago divorce attorneys, contact Michael C. Craven today.
