How Courts Determine Parenting Time in Illinois
Similar to how the court determines parenting responsibilities, parenting time is decided based on what is in the child’s best interests. If you and your spouse can’t come to a mutual agreement, then the court will come to their own arrangement by considering roughly seventeen factors individually.
These factors include:
- The wishes of both parents seeking parenting time.
- The wishes of the child if they are mature or able enough to express themselves.
- The time spent by each parent in taking care of the child previously.
- Any previous agreement between the parents or conduct as it relates to parenting time historically.
- The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the parent and or siblings or another person who significantly affects the child.
- The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community.
- The mental and physical capacities of all parties involved.
- The needs of the child.
- The distance and cost or transporting the child to and from each parent’s residence
- Whether a restriction is currently in place on parenting time for either parent
- If there’s a history of physical violence or the threat of physical violence towards the child or any other household member
- Ability of the parent to put the needs of the child above their own needs
- The ability and willingness of each parent to foster and encourage a relationship with the other parent and the child
- The presence of abuse toward the child or any other household member
- 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
- The terms of either parent based on active military duty by one or both parents
- Any other relevant factor as determined by the court
References: Helping Your Child Through Divorce
Plan ahead and be organized for court. Click this link and download a parenting plan template.
Child Custody Articles & Frequent Questions
Three Simple Steps
Find out how simple the divorce process can be when you work with a law firm that puts you first. Book your consult today!
1. CONTACT
2. SCHEDULE
3. MOVE FORWARD
4.4
1,913 Reviews
See all Reviews
"Holly was calm, efficient and a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgable and confident."
- Angela G.
Full Google Review