How Will Parental Relocation Affect Your Parenting Plan in Illinois?

 Posted on August 17, 2020 in Children of Divorce

During your divorce process, you likely devoted significant time and energy to establishing a parenting plan that was suitable to you and your ex-spouse and addressed your children’s best interests. However, as your children get older and all of your living situations change, it is sometimes necessary to revisit and modify your parenting plan to meet your current needs. One of the biggest changes that can affect a parenting plan is the relocation of one of the parents. If you or your ex are planning a major move, you should consider how you will need to modify your parenting plan to accommodate this substantial change in circumstances.

Modifying Your Parenting Plan After Relocation

It is important to note that when divorced parents share custody of their children, one of them may not simply move at any time. The relocating parent must provide the other parent with reasonable notice, usually at least 60 days, of his or her intent to move. Even then, the other parent can object, in which case, there will be a court hearing to determine whether the relocation will be permitted. One of the most important factors the court considers is the impact the relocation will have on the existing parenting agreement.

If both parents agree to the relocation, or if the court rules that it is permissible, the next step will usually be to legally modify the terms of the parenting plan. Some changes you may need to address include:

• A new visitation time structure: When divorced parents live closer together, it may be possible for children to alternate days or weeks spent with each of them. However, when parents live at least 25 miles apart or in different states, this arrangement may not be feasible. One alternative could be for the children to spend most of the school year with one parent and summers or holidays with the other.

• Alternative visitation methods: When children are unable to see both parents in person on a regular basis, you may decide to incorporate virtual parenting time by talking on the phone or through video chat into your schedule.

• Adjusted parental responsibilities: With increased distance, it may be difficult for a parent to be involved in his or her children’s education or extracurricular activities in the way that he or she used to be, and you may need to adjust your agreement on parenting responsibilities to reflect this. You may also need to consider how to plan for the children’s medical care in case of an emergency at either parent’s home.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

When you have questions about your parental rights regarding relocation or you need to modify your parenting plan to account for new developments in your life, the experienced attorneys at A. Traub and Associates can help you. We will treat your family with compassion and help you keep the focus on your children’s needs. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact our accomplished and dedicated Lombard, IL parenting time lawyers today at 630-426-0196 to schedule a private consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K609.2.htm#:~:text=609.2.,to%20relocate%20with%20a%20child.