Does Your Parenting Plan Need a Change?

 Posted on August 09, 2016 in Child Custody

Creating a parenting plan following a divorce can be a challenge, especially when you and your spouse cannot see eye-to-eye on the arrangements. The role of a professional, certified mediator can be extremely helpful as you piece together the allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody) and parenting time (visitation), but what happens when the parenting plan you work so hard to negotiate falls apart down the road or causes continual conflict?

When assessing your current parenting plan and whether or not it would benefit from certain modifications, consider the following:

• Are your children content with existing visitation patterns? If your child is demonstrating any resistance or is showing any signs of emotional distress while sharing time with either parent, it is wise to reassess and consider whether or not the current parenting time schedule is conducive to your family’s needs and general well-being; and
• Has tension between you and your spouse escalated recently? If you are experiencing more conflict than usual between you and your spouse or within the family circle, it might be time to re-evaluate your dynamic and current parenting plan arrangements. While some conflict can be brought on due to external family changes, such as school or job performance, or a new significant other stepping onto the scene, some conflict cannot be resolved by time or circumstantial change. It might be time to seek professional assistance to ensure your parenting plan is as efficient--and healthy--as it can be for your entire family.

How the State Can Help

DuPage County, like many counties, offers a number of resources for families going through transitional changes due to divorce. The Transitional Exchange Program is designed to provide professional support for the family as they move away from court involvement or make changes to their existing parenting plans. It is not uncommon for parents to experience conflict as they switch visitation schedules or make other significant changes to their parenting agreements.

This is where the program steps in and offers assistance. It aims to help develop relationships with parents and children and can aid in conflict resolution and help communicate with the court and attorneys when necessary. The program is especially helpful in easing tension between family members by assisting in the movement of children from one parent to another. The transition is handled by a Family Center staff member, eliminating contact between parents and therefore diffusing conflict.

Making any changes to your family’s routine in the midst of a divorce can be difficult, but you do not have to face those changes alone. An experienced Lombard family law attorney can provide you with the representation, guidance, and support you need to address any child custody or visitation issue you face. Contact A. Traub & Associates today at 630-426-0196 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.dupageco.org/Community_Services/Family_Center/1625/