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Parenting Plans
Parenting Plans in Illinois
When parents separate or divorce, Illinois law requires them to create a parenting plan that outlines how decisions will be made for the child and how parenting time will be shared.
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A parenting plan provides a structured framework for raising the child after separation. It establishes expectations for both parents and helps minimize future disputes by clearly defining each parent’s responsibilities.
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Parenting plans address issues such as decision-making authority, parenting schedules, communication between parents, and procedures for resolving disagreements.
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Ciesla Beeler represents parents in the preparation, negotiation, and litigation of parenting plans throughout Lake County and the greater Chicago area.
Parenting Plans at a Glance
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Illinois law requires parents to submit a parenting plan in cases involving parental responsibilities.
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A parenting plan outlines parenting time schedules and decision-making authority.
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Parenting plans address issues such as holidays, communication, transportation, and dispute resolution.
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Once approved by the court, a parenting plan becomes a binding court order.
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Parenting plans may be modified if circumstances change and modification is in the child’s best interests.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, parents must submit a proposed parenting plan in cases involving the allocation of parental responsibilities.
A parenting plan is a written document that describes how parents will share responsibilities for the child’s upbringing and how parenting time will be structured.
Parenting plans are intended to promote stability and ensure that both parents remain involved in the child’s life when appropriate.
Once approved by the court, the parenting plan becomes a binding court order.
Issues Addressed in Parenting Plans
Parenting plans typically address a variety of important issues affecting the child’s daily life and long-term well-being.
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These issues may include:
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allocation of decision-making responsibilities
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parenting time schedules
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holiday and vacation schedules
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transportation arrangements
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communication between parents
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communication between parents and the child
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procedures for resolving disagreements
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relocation provisions
Clear and well-drafted parenting plans help reduce misunderstandings and provide a roadmap for co-parenting.
Allocation of Decision-Making Responsibilities
Illinois law separates parenting time from decision-making authority.
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Decision-making responsibilities may be allocated for major areas of a child’s life, including:
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education
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medical care
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extracurricular activities
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religious upbringing
Courts may allocate decision-making authority jointly between the parents or assign responsibility to one parent depending on the circumstances.
Parenting Schedules
A parenting plan must also include a parenting schedule outlining when the child will spend time with each parent.
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Parenting schedules may vary depending on the child’s age, school schedule, and the parents’ availability.
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Schedules may include:
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regular weekday and weekend parenting time
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holiday parenting schedules
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school break schedules
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summer parenting arrangements
The goal is to provide stability for the child while maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents.
Common Parenting Schedule Options
Parenting schedules can take many different forms depending on the child’s age, the parents’ work schedules, and the distance between households. Courts generally focus on creating a schedule that provides stability for the child while maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents.
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Some commonly used parenting schedules include:
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Alternating Weekends
One parent exercises parenting time every other weekend, with additional weekday time in some cases.
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2-2-3 Schedule
Parents alternate parenting time in a rotating pattern that allows the child to spend substantial time with both parents throughout the week.
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Week-On / Week-Off Schedule
Each parent exercises parenting time for one full week at a time. This schedule is often used when parents live close to one another and the child is older.
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Expanded Weekend Schedule
One parent exercises parenting time from Thursday evening through Monday morning, allowing for extended time together.
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The appropriate schedule depends on the specific circumstances of the family, including the child’s school schedule, extracurricular activities, and the parents’ availability.
Modifying Parenting Plans
Parenting plans may need to be modified as children grow older or family circumstances change.
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Common reasons for modification include:
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changes in a parent’s work schedule
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relocation
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evolving needs of the child
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concerns regarding a parent’s ability to exercise parenting time
Illinois courts may modify parenting plans when doing so is in the best interests of the child.
Why Choose Ciesla Beeler?
Parenting plans often shape a family’s day-to-day life for many years. Careful planning and thoughtful legal guidance are essential.
Ciesla Beeler assists parents in negotiating parenting plans, resolving disputes regarding parenting arrangements, and presenting parenting plan issues to the court when necessary.
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Lake County and the greater Chicago area in family law matters involving parenting time and the allocation of parental responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often have questions about how parenting time works in Illinois and what options may be available when circumstances change. The answers below address some of the most common concerns related to parenting schedules, enforcement, and modifications.
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