50/50 Plans that Work

June 4, 2023

In Illinois, crafting a parenting time allocation plan that prioritizes the best interests of your child is key. The focus is on the child’s well-being, not on the wishes or rights of either parent. There are various 50/50 plans to choose from, and finding one that suits your family’s unique needs is essential.

Popular 50/50 Plans

Several parenting time allocation plans are commonly used in Illinois:

  • 5-2-2-5 Plan: This plan involves the child spending five days with one parent, two days with the other, and then alternating back to five days with the first parent. This provides a consistent schedule and ensures both parents have significant time with their child.

  • 4-3 Plan: In this plan, the child spends four days with one parent and three days with the other parent each week, with the schedule reversing the following week. This plan can work well for parents with alternating work schedules.

 

  • Week-On/Week-Off Plan: This plan involves the child spending a full week with each parent, alternating weekly. It can be a good option for older children or parents with demanding work schedules. Some families modify this plan so that one parent always has Tuesday nights and the other always has Wednesday nights, even during their “off” week.

The Key to a Successful 50/50 Plan

The most crucial aspect of any parenting plan is that it works for everyone involved. The goal is to create a schedule that minimizes disruption to the child’s life while accommodating each parent’s work schedule and personal needs. A well-crafted plan should also consider time for individual activities and leisure for both parents and children.

Flexibility is also important. Life happens, and schedules sometimes need to be adjusted. Open communication and a willingness to compromise are essential for making necessary changes smoothly and in the child’s best interests.

Cooperation and Parallel Parenting

For any parenting plan to succeed, especially a 50/50 arrangement, parents must cooperate and communicate effectively. This doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with your ex-spouse, but it does mean putting aside personal differences for the sake of your child.

If cooperation proves difficult, parallel parenting might be a better option. This approach involves each parent making independent decisions while their child is in their care, with minimal direct communication. While not ideal, parallel parenting can reduce conflict and provide a more stable environment for the child than constant parental discord.

Need More Ideas?

If you’re looking for more parenting time allocation options, websites like Custody X Change can provide helpful resources and templates.

How I Can Help

If you and your spouse can agree on a parenting time allocation plan and the division of assets, I can help you turn your agreement into a legally sound document and make the divorce process smoother. With nearly 20 years of experience in family law, I’ve helped countless Illinois families create workable parenting plans.

Contact me today at www.flatfeedivorcesolutions.com or call 618-726-2671 to learn more about how I can assist you with your uncontested divorce.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is general in nature and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice about your situation, please consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction.