Teen Driving and Child Custody Disputes in DuPage County 

 Posted on November 17, 2022 in Child Custody

Parents can naturally be filled with worry when their teenager starts to drive. From car accidents to carjackings, fearing for your teen's safety and the safety of their passengers can cause contention among divorced spouses. Inexperienced and distracted driving accounts for most car accidents. According to Kelley Blue Book, an automotive research company, more than 2,350 teens were killed in car accidents in 2019, accounting for 7 percent of all car crash fatalities. The majority of teen car crash deaths occur within six months after the teen secures a driver's license.

Sometimes the reality of your child eventually driving is not even contemplated during divorce proceedings. Parents may include whatever decisions they deem necessary in their parenting plan. To reduce the chances of conflict later in your co-parenting relationship, it may be a good idea to specify how and when your teenager will get his or her license and begin driving. 

Using Your Parenting Plan to Prevent Co-Parenting Conflict

In many co-parenting relationships, one parent is more lenient than the other. This can cause conflict, especially when it comes to raising teenagers. Most teens are anxious to get their driver’s licenses and enjoy the independence that comes with driving. Unfortunately, teen drivers are at an especially high risk of being involved in a car accident. One parent may be worried that their child is not ready for the responsiblities that come with driving while the other parent thinks that the child should get their license as soon as they are able to. This can lead to disagreements and ongoing conflict between the parents and the children. 

There are over a dozen provisions required in an Illinois parenting plan. However, this does not limit the parents from including additional information. It may be a good idea to sit down with your child’s other parent and discuss the specifics of when and how he or she may get his or her license. Put these agreements in writing so that, when the issue comes up, you and the other parent will already be on the same page. Putting child-related decisions in your parenting plan helps reduce animosity between you and the parent. 

Contact a DuPage County Family Law Attorney

At Pesce Law Group P.C., a full-service family law firm, our energized and determined attorneys are vigilant in their quest for favorable outcomes. We understand the anxiety involved with co-parenting and realize that circumstances may warrant changes to predetermined agreements. Our firm is sensitive to our client's needs and treats them respectfully. If you are at odds with your ex-spouse regarding teen driving, or if your parenting plan did not address teen driving, a modification might be necessary. Contact a Burr Ridge child custody attorney at 630-230-1002 for a free consultation to enforce or modify your parenting plan. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-teen-drivers