Summer is quickly approaching, and while this summer may be a little different with the pandemic still ongoing, it is sure to be more hopeful than the last. This may mean that parents make plans that include their children, whether that is going on a trip or even just keeping their child for an entire week instead of just for two days on the weekend.

Summer schedules are typically very different than they are when school is in session, and that is not usually a problem when the two parents are married. After a divorce, on the other hand, this can become a much bigger issue. If you have gotten a divorce and are trying to determine what your summer will look like, below are some tips that can help.

Summer Co-Parenting Tips

Co-parenting with your former spouse during the summer may seem like a challenge, but following these tips can help make it easier. This summer, make sure to:

Divorce is always an incredibly emotional process, but many people do not understand the legalities that go along with it. With so many important details to attend to, it is easy to make mistakes that can result in forfeiting your rights or making the divorce more expensive than it needs to be. If you are about to go through a divorce, it is important to avoid these common mistakes so you can protect your best interests while completing the process as quickly as possible.

Arguing Unnecessarily

It is not uncommon for couples to argue when they are going through a divorce. While an argument may arise between you and your spouse during the process, it is important to remember you should only engage in these disputes when necessary. Even then, you should only do so through your divorce attorney and not directly with your spouse.

For example, you may want to keep certain property in the divorce not because it is important to you, but because you want to spite your spouse. An attorney will advise against this, as it will only lengthen the process and cost you more in the end. Still, there are times when you may have to become more assertive and fight for what is rightfully yours, which a lawyer can also advise on.

If you are going through a divorce, you may fear a long and bitter courtroom battle. Fortunately, this is not necessary for all divorce cases, and some couples find that choosing mediation is a much better option. During the mediation process, each spouse will meet with a mediator that is a neutral third party. The role of the mediator is strictly to foster compromise and communication to help the couple reach an agreement on their own without the need for a divorce trial.

Mediation holds many benefits, including the fact that it can be less costly and take less time than a divorce trial. Spouses may also be more likely to comply with the agreement because they had a hand in creating it. Still, if you are considering mediation, it is important to know how to properly prepare so you get the most out of it.

Identify Your Goals

All divorce cases require some give and take by both parties. When entering into mediation, it is important to remember that you likely will not secure every favorable term you are hoping for. Once you understand this, you can then identify what is most important to you, and what terms you are willing to compromise on. Understanding your goals, as well as those of your spouse, can help during settlement talks and can result in your divorce being finalized sooner.

The long-term financial effects of divorce can be expensive. If both spouses work, you will need to learn how to survive on just a single income. That one income has to cover utilities, food, and other expenses, as well as fund savings and retirement investments. However, planning ahead can help. If you are considering a divorce, financial advisors suggest taking the following steps so you are on firmer financial ground if and when you decide to file.

Know Your Current Financial Situation

To begin, it is important to know your current financial standing. First, acquire all copies of any bank accounts and investment statements for the past year. You should also make copies of any income tax returns filed for the past several years. Request your credit report so you can see exactly what debts you owe.

Next, consider consulting with an attorney to find out what the bigger picture would look like if you make the decision to end your marriage. Illinois is an “equitable distribution” state, which means marital property will be divided fairly between you and your spouse, not necessarily equally. To ensure the equitable distribution of your property, the law requires full disclosure of all assets and obligations.

As a parent, after you get divorced, it can be difficult to adjust to spending less time with your kids. You will want to do everything you can to prevent the possibility that you will be required to limit your parenting time further, including addressing situations where your ex plans to move to a new location that is farther away from your home. In cases involving parental relocation, you should be sure to understand your rights and how these matters are addressed in court.

Parental Relocation Under Illinois Law

Divorced parents who live in DuPage County and other counties in the greater Chicago area will need to meet certain requirements if they are planning to move to a new home that is at least 25 miles away from their current home. If a parent who has the majority of the parenting time with their child, or who shares equal parenting time with their former partner, will be relocating, they are required to notify the other parent at least 60 days before the date of the planned move, or at the earliest possible date if they make relocation plans within 60 days of moving.

If you have received a notification from your ex-spouse stating that they plan to relocate, you will want to determine whether their move will require a modification of your parenting plan. A greater distance between your homes may make it difficult or impossible for you to follow your regular parenting time schedule, and transportation arrangements may need to be modified. Child custody could also be affected, since you may be unable to visit your child’s school, attend or participate in their activities, or go to their doctor appointments and stay abreast of their medical needs.