How Courts Determine Parenting Time in Illinois

These factors include:

1. The wishes of both parents seeking parenting time.
2. The wishes of the child if they are mature or able enough to express themselves.
3. The time spent by each parent in taking care of the child previously.
4. Any previous agreement between the parents or conduct as it relates to parenting time historically.
5. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the parent and or siblings or another person who significantly affects the child.
6. The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community.
7. The mental and physical capacities of all parties involved.
8. The needs of the child.
9. The distance and cost or transporting the child to and from each parent’s residence
10. Whether a restriction is currently in place on parenting time for either parent
11. If there’s a history of physical violence or the threat of physical violence towards the child or any other household member
12. Ability of the parent to put the needs of the child above their own needs
13. The ability and willingness of each parent to foster and encourage a relationship with the other parent and the child
14. The presence of abuse toward the child or any other household member
15. If either parent is a convicted sex offender and if so the nature of the conviction as well as any treatment completed by the offender
16. The terms of either parent based on active military duty by one or both parents
17. Any other relevant factor as determined by the court