The relationship that you have with your children doesn’t end just because your relationship with their other parent has. The state of Illinois generally requires you to provide financial support to your children until they reach the age of majority. In addition, you will likely be entitled to visitation or custody rights to your minor dependents. Take a look at how you can structure a parenting plan that allows you to provide your children with a quality childhood even though you’ve separated from their other parent.
What’s best for your children?
Your top priority should be to do what is best for your children even if it means that you don’t get to see them as often as you would like. For example, if you live 100 miles from your kids, you will likely only see them during school breaks.
This is because it would be too distracting for a child to travel such long distances on a regular basis while also trying to do well socially and academically. You may also have to settle for less than a 50/50 split in parenting time if you work odd hours, live in a dangerous part of town or have other issues that need to be resolved.
Resolving disputes with your former partner
It’s almost certain that you’ll have disagreements with your former spouse as it relates to how to raise your children. It’s important for your parenting plan to have mechanisms in place to resolve disputes in a timely and amicable manner. If you have a good relationship with your child’s other parent, it may be possible to settle a disagreement through private talks. However, if you don’t communicate well with this person, it may be best to allow a judge to resolve any child custody spats that arise.
As a parent, it’s important to be there for your children regardless of how well you get along with their mother or father. If you can’t see your kids on a regular basis, you may still be able to interact with them by phone, email or other means.