While divorce is never easy for a child regardless of age, preverbal and preschool children are unable to verbally express their feelings, needs or wants to parents as easily as a school age child can. Changes to the family dynamic can be especially unsettling and confusing especially when overnight visits to a non primary caregiver are introduced.
Young Children and Overnight Visits
Although some in the field of child development agree that overnight visits should be delayed until children are older, court systems across the nation often focus on what the parents want in terms of equitable time with a child rather than what may be developmentally appropriate. Ideally, parents can work together to come up with a parenting plan instead of leaving the decision to the court.
Working with an experienced family law attorney, parents can work on a parenting plan which may start out with shorter periods of visitation away from the primary caregiver evolving into longer visits including overnights as the child grows. A skilled negotiator can help you come up with a plan that is in the best interests of your child while addressing both parents concerns.
Contact an Experienced Child Custody Attorney
It is important to work with an experienced Illinois parenting time/child custody lawyer who can advocate for what is in the best interests of a young child in a divorce. If you have concerns regarding Illinois parenting plans for infants and young children, contact the family law office of Schlesinger & Strauss LLC to discuss your case today at 847-680-4970.
