blog home Child Allocation Family Law Attorney Leslie Fineberg Discusses Common Summertime Parenting Issues

Family Law Attorney Leslie Fineberg Discusses Common Summertime Parenting Issues

By Nottage and Ward on June 1, 2012

As an experienced family law lawyer with the Illinois law firm Nottage & Ward LLP, Leslie Fineberg is well aware of the many problems that can arise when divorcing spouses try to come to an agreement regarding child custody and support. Whether the ultimate arrangement is reached by the court or by the couple through mediation, it can be a highly contentious subject. Who will the child live with? How often can the non-custodial parent get visitation? When the kids are on vacation during the summer, who do they live with?

Many couples opt to have their children live with one parent during the school year, so as to not risk creating educational problems with the constant switching of addresses, but then live with the other parent, or at least have extended visitation, during the summer. While this is a perfectly fine arrangement, there may be details that are overlooked when initially agreed upon. In order to avoid issues with summer custody down the line, it is important to resolve the following issues in the beginning:

When does the summer parenting schedule start? The first official day of summer is June 21, but most students are out of school before then. Decide whether you will begin at the end of the school year, or the beginning of summer. If your kids are not in school yet, you can pick an earlier date, but remember to decide on how things will change once they start school.

Does the custodial parent get visitation when the kids are with the other during the summer? If your kids live with your ex during the summer, which typically lasts two to three months, you need to figure out a visitation schedule so you can see your kids while they are out of school too.

Can I enroll my kids in summer activities even if they will be living with their other parent? Although you can decide beforehand who can or can’t make plans for the kids during the summer, it is best to just agree that any summer plans by one parent will be discussed with the other before making any commitments.

Does the child support amount I pay take summer custody into account? If your kids live with your ex during most of the year and with you for the summer, but you pay child support all year round, you need to make sure that the amount you pay is adjusted for the time they live with you, when you will be paying for all of their expenses. Or you may end up coming up with a different arrangement with your ex where they may continue to pay for your kids’ expenses while your child support remains unchanged.

Trying to make sure you’ve covered all your bases when it comes to child custody arrangements can be very stressful on your own, but with the help of a skilled Chicago child custody lawyer like Leslie Fineberg you can be assured of a detailed and agreeable arrangement. To find out more about obtaining a custody agreement that is best for you and your children, contact Nottage and Ward today at (312) 332-2915 for a consultation.

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Five Stars5 Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for

Leslie has been the strongest representation I could ask for in a very complicated, emotional matter. She has continuously looked out for my best interest and the best interest of my son. She is always prompt in getting back to me and in keeping me well informed about my case.
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