The School Year Is Coming to a Close; Does Your Child Custody Agreement Make the Grade?

 Posted on May 27, 2016 in Family Law

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, June 6th may very well become “D” day for those drafting or maintaining child custody agreements drafted under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5).

The summer months often prove challenging for those parents who are complying with busy summer custody schedules, but for those in the planning stage, agreements need established not only for the summer break but for everyday, vacation, and holiday schedules as well.

For those finding themselves at square one, it is important to remember that under Illinois statute, the allocation of joint parental responsibilities are clearly defined as:

• Parental responsibilities - which defines parenting time and the significant decision-making responsibilities involving both parents;
• Parenting time - or the time of which each parent is responsible for exercising caretaking functions and non-significant decision-making responsibilities; and
• Parenting plan - pertaining to the written agreement allocating significant decision-making responsibilities, parenting time or both.

When devising a joint custodial agreement certain factors are also to be considered such as:

• Complying with Illinois custody guidelines;
• Considering the ages of the children; and
• Understanding the physical, emotional and social needs of each child.

In some instances it is also important to consider whether one parent may be serving in the military or resides outside of Illinois.

Once these factors have been taken into consideration, it is important for parents to understand that summer schedules differ from the school year schedule and revisions should be made. Revisions to parental time blocks with a definite start and end time should be taken under consideration.

As summer presents itself with the allure of summer vacations, vacation schedules should also be discussed and agreed upon. Often child custody agreements will provide additional provisions to cover vacation schedules such as perhaps blocking off specific time frames or allotting a number of unspecified vacation days annually to be used at the parent’s discretion.

If you reside in Illinois and need assistance with not only the divorce process but the drafting of a feasible joint custody agreement, the experienced Hinsdale child custody attorneys of the Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio understand the complexities of family law matters. Our team resolves to work diligently to assist with reaching an agreeable joint custody agreement for all seasons. Contact our Hinsdale office at 630-920-8855 to schedule an initial consultation today.

Sources:

http://patch.com/illinois/hinsdale/hinsdale-district-86-school-year-calendar-2015-16

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59

http://singleparents.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/a/summer-parenting-questions.htm

https://www.custodyxchange.com/articles/schedule.php

https://www.custodyxchange.com/illinois/visitation-schedule.php