Modifying Parenting Agreements
Covid-19 has changed the way we live our lives in so many ways, and this change in lifestyle affects our children. With kids coming home for virtual school and socially distanced holidays approaching, you might wish to update or make changes to your parenting time agreement. This may seem like a difficult hill to climb, but there are several steps you can take to make it a breeze and set yourself up for a worry free holiday season.
If both parents agree to any changes being made in the custody or parenting time agreement, then there is no need to establish a change of circumstances. In Illinois, the court will usually rule in what is seen as the child's best interest, however when it comes to changing parenting time, it can be more important to prove a change in the child or parent's circumstances as mentioned previously. If disagreements arise, I can help facilitate the best route to take towards a new agreement, while possibly retaining parts of the original agreement.
A change of circumstances is usually the reason for a change to a parenting time agreement. Perhaps the child's schedule has changed due to Covid-19 and they will no longer have after school programs to keep them busy. In the same way, a parent might have more time at home than they used to, and would like to or be willing to take on more time with their child. Self-isolation might be necessary during the pandemic, complicating shared time with your ex. When in a parenting agreement, Illinois will allow parents to live as far as 25 miles apart in Cook, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, and DuPage counties, but in the rest of the state the maximum is 50 miles. In order to move to another state or beyond the bounds agreed upon a new agreement will be needed and time might need to be allocated differently between parents for the child's best interest.
Mediation between the parents is usually the first required step towards making the agreement final, and sometimes the court may order a mental evaluation of the child to make sure the changes being made are in their best interest. For example, one parent might wish to raise the child differently, and the child may offer up differences in lifestyle that will come into play in the decision. The recommendations by these professionals can be very important in the decisions made in court.
During Covid-19 it can seem difficult to get the process started on something so important and at times it can seem overwhelming. I am an expert who understands every aspect of the process and I'm standing by to help set up or make changes to your parenting agreements.
Don't delay on making the changes that can improve you or your child's life. Contact me to make a change today!