How Do I Increase My Visitation Time With My Kids?

 Posted on March 16,2022 in Chicago divorce attorney

When creating an initial parenting plan, parents prepare for the future. It can be hard to tell what life will look like just a few months or years following a divorce. Parents may decide to relocate to a new city, remarry, develop new relationships, or extend visitation time with their kids. If you find yourself in a situation where you would like more quality parenting time with your children, you will have to modify your standing parenting agreement within your divorce decree. Knowing how to navigate the process of changing a divorce decree and how to utilize the resources available to you can help you succeed in your effort to increase visitation, or parenting time, with your family. 

What is Divorce Decree Modification

Parenting plans outlining the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time are part of the comprehensive divorce agreement. Like all legal documents, parents are required to comply with the parenting plan. If there are changes that a parent would like to make, including increasing parenting time with their children, they must follow the modification process. As modifications are made to arrangements such as visitation or parenting time, other aspects of the divorce agreement may shift as a result, including spousal support or child support. 

What is the Modification Process

If there is a change that you would like to make to your parenting plan or divorce agreement, you must follow the Illinois modification guidelines. The parent must first show a reason for deciding to modify the plan. Do you miss your children and want to spend more time with them? Are you in a better living situation where you can now take care of your children for more extended periods? Did your financial situation increase, leading you to have more resources to take care of your children? Any of these reasons may be valid in court. The parent requesting the change must file the correct paperwork to request a modification called a motion to modify. It must be notarized and include all relevant reasons and evidence that led the parent to request more visitation time. Then, the parent will submit the modification request to the court that issued the divorce decree and wait for a decision to be rendered. 

The process of modifying a parenting agreement or another part of a divorce decree can be confusing. Parents can use legal resources available to them by reaching out to a local divorce and family attorney to discuss the modification process along with other unique aspects of their case. 

Speak to a Kendall County Family Lawyer

At the The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., our Kendall County family attorney has the experience to help you navigate the divorce modification process. Attorney Matthew Williams has handled over 1,000 divorce and family law cases. Please call 630-409-8184 to contact our office and schedule an initial consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050k510.htm