What Things Should I Consider When Creating a Parenting Time Plan?

What Things Should I Consider When Creating a Parenting Time Plan?

Creating a parenting time plan during a divorce can feel incredibly overwhelming. It’s not just paperwork—it’s about your child’s happiness, stability, and future. The emotions are heavy, and the responsibility to get it right can feel crushing. What should you include? How detailed should it be?

At Andrea Heckman Law, we understand the profound challenges that come with creating a parenting plan. Our lead attorney has devoted her career to helping families like yours and wants to see you find a plan that works perfectly for your family. In this post, we’ll walk you through the top things you should consider when creating a plan so it works for both you and your child.

1. Decision Making

The cornerstone of any parenting time plan is determining parental responsibilities—deciding who has the authority to make major decisions for your child. These responsibilities encompass key areas such as education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and religious upbringing. When assigning these roles, it’s important to consider each parent’s unique strengths and experience. For instance, a parent with a medical background may be better equipped to handle healthcare decisions. Thoughtful consideration of each parent’s abilities helps create a plan that prioritizes the child’s well-being.

2. Scheduling

A clear and realistic schedule is key to reducing conflict and ensuring your child spends meaningful time with each parent. Include a detailed weekly routine specifying which days the child will be with each parent. Address holidays, school breaks, summer vacations, and special occasions (e.g., birthdays or family events). Consider your child’s school schedule, extracurricular activities, and travel time between households. Be specific about pick-up/drop-off times, locations, and which parent is responsible for transportation. Planning for these details upfront minimizes misunderstandings later.

3. Communication

Effective co-parent communication is essential for a successful parenting plan. Agree on preferred methods of communication—whether it’s text messages, emails, or a co-parenting app—and establish response times to ensure smooth coordination. Discuss how you will handle emergencies and unexpected changes, such as illnesses or last-minute scheduling conflicts. It’s also helpful to set guidelines for conflict resolution, such as involving a mediator if disagreements arise. Consistent, respectful communication between parents sets a positive example for your child and helps them feel secure.

4. Parenting Guidelines

Parenting guidelines help create consistency between households, which is crucial for your child’s stability. Work together to establish rules for discipline, screen time, bedtimes, homework routines, and household expectations. Consider how you’ll handle transitions between homes—such as sending essential items like school supplies, clothing, or medications with your child—and agree on how to address behavioral issues to ensure a unified approach. These guidelines should reflect your child’s unique needs and focus on fostering a supportive, healthy environment in both households.

5. Travel and Relocation

Travel and relocation often become contentious issues, so addressing them in your parenting plan is essential. Define how far each parent can move without prior discussion or approval and outline procedures for handling extended trips, relocations, or vacations. Specify how travel expenses (e.g., airfare, gas) will be shared and how visitation will work if one parent moves farther away. Include requirements for sharing travel details, such as itineraries or contact information, and discuss how to ensure the child maintains regular contact with the other parent during trips or relocations.

6. Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, so your parenting plan should account for unexpected events. Include provisions for rescheduling visits missed due to illness, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances. Specify how much notice should be given for changes and how you’ll handle situations like work-related travel or last-minute schedule conflicts. Flexibility is essential, but it’s equally important to ensure that changes remain fair and prioritize your child’s routine and well-being. A well-thought-out plan with built-in flexibility can help reduce stress and conflict while maintaining a stable environment for your child.

7. Considering the Child’s Needs

Above all else, your parenting plan should prioritize your child’s well-being. Consider their age, developmental stage, personality, and any special needs (e.g., medical, educational, or emotional). Think about how they’re adjusting to your divorce and their relationship with each parent. Younger children may benefit from shorter, more frequent visits, while older kids might have more input in deciding their schedules. Make sure your plan provides stability and consistency and meets your child’s emotional, physical, and psychological needs. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt the plan as your child grows and their needs evolve.  

By addressing these areas in detail, your parenting time plan can help create a balanced and supportive co-parenting arrangement that puts your child’s best interests first.

Why Legal Guidance Is Essential

While drafting a parenting time plan independently is possible, working with an experienced family law attorney can help you avoid unnecessary stress and oversights.

1. Knowledge of Illinois Custody Laws  

Parenting plans must comply with Illinois’ child custody laws. An attorney will ensure your plan meets legal requirements.

2. Customizing Plans to Fit Specific Needs  

Every family is unique. An attorney can help tailor your parenting plan to best suit your situation.

3. Objective Support  

Divorce is emotional, and decisions made in haste can have long-term repercussions. An attorney can provide a neutral perspective to guide sound decisions.

Start Creating Your Parenting Plan Today

Creating a parenting time plan may be one of the most significant and challenging aspects of your divorce. However, by consciously addressing every key detail—physical custody, education, healthcare, and more—you can create a plan that fosters stability, harmony, and the best possible outcomes for your child.

If you’re still unsure where to start with your parenting plan, Andrea Heckman Law is here to guide you. Our team is dedicated to helping you prioritize your child’s needs while carefully addressing every legal detail. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin laying the foundation for your family’s future.