The new school year is a good time to review a parenting plan

 Posted on August 14, 2020 in Child Custody

With the start of the new school year approaching, it is a good idea for divorced parents in Illinois to review their parenting time orders to ensure they still meet the child’s needs. For example, a parent might have moved out of the child’s school district over the summer, and the needs of a child change as the child ages. After all, the needs of an 8-year-old are different than the needs of a 12-year-old or 16-year-old. Sometimes, after reviewing a parenting time order, a parent will want to seek to have the order modified to better suit the child’s needs.

Modifying a parenting time order

Generally, when modifying a parenting time order, it has to be shown that there has been a change in circumstances necessitating the change and that the change is in the best interests of the child. However, a modification may be made in the absence of a change in circumstances if it is in the best interests of the child and any of the following factors are present.

One factor is if the modification is due to a change in the living arrangements of the child for six months prior to the filing of the petition for modification. This change must be agreed-upon by both parents, who are both able to give meaningful consent. Another factor is if the modification is minor. This list is not all-exhaustive; there are other factors as well.

Where to turn if you want to change a parenting time order

Ultimately, new milestones such as the start of the new school year warrant a review of an existing parenting time order to make sure it still meets the child’s needs. If a parent in the Wheaton area decides a modification is necessary, they may want to seek legal assistance. Trying to handle complicated issues like this on your own can be difficult and could lead to an undesirable result. It is better to seek the guidance you need to ensure you understand your rights moving forward.