Ways to Resolve Parenting Time Disputes

Ways to Resolve Parenting Time Disputes

Parenting time disputes between couples who are not together but who share children are not uncommon, but there are better and worse ways to resolve these concerns. If you are facing such a dispute, you don’t have to go it alone – an experienced Illinois parenting time attorney can help. 

Discuss the Matter with a Dedicated Parenting Time Attorney

The fact is that parenting time disputes after divorce are common and can take any number of forms. Your first impulse may be to lash out at your children’s other parent – or to shut down the lines of communication altogether, and while it is only natural for emotions to run high when time with your children is involved, there is a better path forward. The first course of action should be reaching out to a seasoned attorney who will help you explore the best options in your unique situation. 

Negotiating with Your Ex

It is generally best to begin with the least invasive approach and to proceed from there. If you and your ex are able to negotiate a resolution to your problem between yourselves – with the skilled legal guidance of your parenting time attorneys – the court is very likely to sign off on it. It is important to understand, however, that if you do make a change to your parenting time schedule, you’ll need to submit the change to the court – otherwise, your current orders will remain legally binding. 

Negotiating via Mediation

If you and your children’s other parent are unable to resolve the parenting time issue between yourselves, mediation is a viable option. At mediation, a neutral third party who is a professional mediator will help you, your ex, and your respective attorneys explore alternatives that you may not have considered. When both parties are open to the mediation process, it can be very effective. If not, however, mediation can just be another step you slog through on your way toward court. 

Turning to the Court

If your attempts at negotiating a resolution to your parenting time issue prove unsuccessful, you’ll need the court’s intervention. When the court makes determinations that directly affect the welfare of children, it focuses on their best interests and – as such – will consider factors like the following:

• You and your ex’s preferences on the matter
• Your children’s preferences on the matter (if deemed mature enough to offer a reasonable preference)
• Your children’s overall needs, including any special needs
• Each parent’s level of involvement in raising the children to date
• Any concerns related to domestic violence or child abuse or neglect
• The unique relationship each parent has forged with each child
• The important relationships the children have with other significant people in their lives, such as siblings, members of their extended families, friends, and more  

Don’t Delay Consulting with an Experienced Illinois Parenting Time Attorney

The Illinois parenting time attorneys at SAM LAW OFFICE, LLC, are well equipped to help you resolve your parenting time issue favorably. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t put off contacting us for more information today.