What Are Illinois Parenting Time Guidelines?
An overview explaining what Illinois parenting time guidelines are, their purpose, and how they help parents establish consistent schedules for their children after divorce or separation.
- Definition of parenting time under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/602.7)
- Difference between parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities
- How guidelines serve the best interests of the child
- Why courts encourage parents to customize schedules when possible
How Illinois Courts Determine Parenting Time Allocation
Explains the factors Illinois courts consider when allocating parenting time, including the child's needs, each parent's ability to cooperate, and the child's adjustment to home and community.
- Statutory factors under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
- The child's wishes based on maturity level
- Each parent's ability to facilitate a relationship with the other parent
- Distance between parents' homes and its impact on scheduling
- Any history of domestic violence or abuse considerations
Standard Parenting Time Schedules in Illinois
Details common parenting time arrangements used in Illinois, including alternating weekends, midweek visits, and various custody splits.
- Alternating weekend schedules (Friday evening to Sunday evening)
- Midweek overnight options for non-residential parents
- 2-2-3 and 3-4-4-3 rotation schedules explained
- 50/50 parenting time arrangements and when they work best
- Considerations for children of different ages
Holiday and Vacation Parenting Time in Illinois
Covers how Illinois handles parenting time during holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation, including how to allocate specific days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break.
- Alternating major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
- Specific provisions for December holidays and New Year's
- Summer vacation allocation and notice requirements
- Spring break, fall break, and three-day weekend scheduling
- Mother's Day, Father's Day, and birthday considerations
- February, April, August school break planning
How to Customize Your Illinois Parenting Plan
Guidance on how parents can work together to customize parenting time schedules that fit their unique family circumstances while meeting court requirements.
- Benefits of creating a customized parenting agreement
- Required elements in any Illinois parenting plan
- How to address each parent's work schedule and availability
- Including provisions for right of first refusal
- Transportation and exchange location arrangements
- Communication protocols between parents and with children
Modifying Parenting Time in Illinois
Explains the process and requirements for requesting a change to an existing parenting time order, including what constitutes a substantial change in circumstances.
- When modification of parenting time is appropriate
- Substantial change in circumstances requirement
- Filing a petition to modify parenting time with the court
- Emergency modifications for safety concerns
- How relocation affects parenting time arrangements
- Timeline and court process for modification cases
Special Circumstances Affecting Parenting Time
Addresses unique situations that may impact parenting time arrangements, including military deployment, domestic violence, and supervised visitation.
- Parenting time when a parent is deployed in military service
- Supervised parenting time requirements and providers
- Long-distance parenting time for out-of-state parents
- Parenting time with very young children and infants
- Addressing substance abuse concerns in parenting orders
- Virtual parenting time and technology provisions
Enforcing Parenting Time Orders in Illinois
Information on what parents can do when the other party violates a parenting time order, including legal remedies available through Illinois courts.
- Documenting parenting time violations
- Filing a motion for contempt of court
- Make-up parenting time remedies
- Potential consequences for repeated violations
- When to involve your family law attorney
Downloading Illinois Parenting Time Resources
Provides information on where to find official forms, sample schedules, and resources to help parents navigate parenting time in Illinois.
- Where to download Illinois parenting plan forms
- Sample parenting time schedule templates
- Illinois court resources for self-represented parents
- Local county-specific parenting time guidelines
- Educational resources about co-parenting
Get a Confidential Case Assessment
Every family's situation is unique, and understanding how Illinois parenting time guidelines apply to your case requires personalized guidance. Contact Steele Family Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you create a parenting time arrangement that protects your relationship with your children.
Schedule Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What is the standard parenting time schedule in Illinois?
Illinois does not mandate a single standard schedule, but common arrangements include alternating weekends (typically Friday evening to Sunday evening), one midweek evening or overnight, and shared holidays. Courts encourage parents to customize schedules based on the child's best interests and each family's unique circumstances.
Can I modify my Illinois parenting time order?
Yes, you can request a modification of parenting time in Illinois by filing a petition with the court. You generally must show a substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered. The court will evaluate whether the proposed change serves the child's best interests.
How does Illinois allocate parenting time during holidays?
Illinois parenting plans typically alternate major holidays between parents on an odd/even year basis. Common holidays addressed include Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and each parent's birthday, Mother's Day, and Father's Day with the respective parent.
What happens to parenting time if a parent is deployed in the military?
Illinois law provides special protections for deployed military parents. A deployed parent may designate a family member to exercise parenting time during deployment. The deployment itself cannot be used as the sole basis for a permanent modification of parenting time allocation.
Can Illinois parents create their own parenting time schedule?
Yes, Illinois courts strongly encourage parents to work together to create customized parenting time schedules that meet their children's needs. As long as the plan serves the child's best interests and includes all required elements, courts typically approve agreed-upon arrangements.
What factors does an Illinois court consider when determining parenting time?
Illinois courts consider multiple factors including the child's wishes (based on maturity), each parent's wishes, the child's adjustment to home and school, the mental and physical health of all parties, each parent's ability to cooperate, any history of violence or abuse, and the child's relationship with parents and siblings.
What can I do if the other parent violates our parenting time order in Illinois?
If the other parent violates a parenting time order, you can file a motion for contempt of court. Document all violations carefully. The court may order make-up parenting time, modify the schedule, or impose other remedies. Repeated violations can result in serious consequences for the violating parent.
How is parenting time different from custody in Illinois?
Illinois replaced the term 'custody' with 'allocation of parental responsibilities' in 2016. Parenting time refers specifically to the schedule of when each parent has physical time with the child. Allocation of parental responsibilities covers both parenting time and decision-making authority regarding education, health, religion, and extracurricular activities.