Parenting Time and Visitation

Do What’s Best for Your Children When Planning Parenting Time and Visitation in Central Illinois

When allocating parental responsibilities as part of child custody discussions, parenting time and visitation become a top concern for parents. Depending on the specifics of a case, parents may share custody equally or develop a plan for parenting time that’s in the children’s best interest. In these situations, a lawyer for parenting time in Peoria IL can help both parties reach a reasonable agreement beneficial to all parties (especially your kids). At Brave Law Center, P.C., we can assist you with divorce proceedings, custody battles, and parenting time disputes.

What Factors Impact Parenting Time Decisions?

Parenting time (previously visitation) is a heart-wrenching topic for parents as they attempt to adjust to changing life situations. Regarding the children’s best interests, many factors must be considered when determining custody and a fair division of parenting time. Brave Law Center, P.C. considers the following information when advising our clients:

• Child’s Wishes – As children get older, judges may consider their preferences when allocating parenting time.
• Wishes of Parents – When parents can work together, it is beneficial to agree on parenting time. This includes considering each parent’s availability and willingness to cooperate.
• Mental and Physical Health of All Parties – Parents should be physically and mentally capable of providing for their children’s needs.
• Level of Adjustment – In cases where children have been living with one parent for an extended period, the courts may try to maintain their current routine as much as possible.
• History of Violence – In cases involving domestic violence, the court will consider the safety and well-being of the children when determining parenting time arrangements.
• Home Environment – The court will also consider the quality of living conditions, including safety and stability when deciding parenting time.

If both parents are stable, agreeable, and willing to share joint custody, dividing custodial rights may be the best option for children. A divorce lawyer in Peoria IL can help facilitate an agreement in cases like these.

What Should a Parenting Plan Include?

By working with Brave Law Center, P.C., you can develop a parenting plan that works for all parties’ schedules and factors in the unique needs of your children. Parenting time divisions can vary, as can the parental responsibilities for each parent. As such, Brave Law Center, P.C. considers time availability, transportation arrangements, existing family ties and more when building a parenting time plan. For example, a complete parenting time plan will address:

• Time Division – Outlining a clear and consistent schedule for when children will spend time with each parent gives families a sense of stability. Parenting time can be divided 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, etc., and includes weekdays, weekends and holidays.
• Allowed Flexibility – Because no one’s schedule is set in stone, a parenting plan includes guidelines for adjusting schedules in case of unexpected events. This ensures both parents can accommodate changes while prioritizing the children’s needs.
• Transportation Arrangements – It’s important to specify who’s responsible for picking up and dropping off your children, considering the distance between each parent’s home.
• Special Occasions – To ensure fairness between parties, a parenting plan will equally divide significant events, like birthdays, family gatherings, and major holidays, between parents.
• Parental Responsibilities – We help parents clarify the division of responsibilities, such as medical appointments, school events, and extracurriculars, to ensure both parents remain active in their children’s lives.
• Communication and Emergency Protocols – Parents must establish proper communication channels so planning and coordination can occur when dealing with schedule changes, emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances.

Call Brave Law Center, P.C. Today

When contending with parenting time and visitation matters, conversations between parents can become heated, and initial plans can be confusing. For such reasons, it’s vital to have an experienced parenting time attorney assist in developing a fair parenting plan that puts your children first. Trust Brave Law Center, P.C. to provide the guidance separating parents need! If interested in our additional divorce and family law services, call 309-685-7900 to schedule a reservation. We serve clients throughout Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, Fulton, Mason and Marshall Counties.