How Do You Create a Custody Schedule in Illinois?

 Posted on June 24, 2025 in Child Custody

When a relationship ends, figuring out how to share time with your children can quickly become the most emotional and challenging part of the separation. Questions like "who will have the kids on school nights?" and "what about birthdays and holidays?" can turn into sources of stress and conflict without a clear plan in place. A well-structured custody schedule not only brings order to this uncertainty, but also helps protect the child’s emotional stability during this major transition.

In Illinois, creating a parenting time schedule is not just a practical task, but a legal one. An experienced Kendall County, IL family law attorney can help you understand your options, effectively negotiate with the other party, and develop a workable and legally sound schedule.

What Is a Custody Schedule?

A custody schedule, officially referred to as a parenting time schedule, lays out when each parent will be responsible for the child’s care. Rather than using the outdated terms "custody" and "visitation," Illinois law now refers to this as "parenting time" and "parental responsibilities". Parenting time specifically addresses when a parent will be physically present with the child.

A detailed custody schedule should cover daily routines, weekends, holidays, school vacations, and special occasions. It should reflect the child’s best interests while also being practical and sustainable for the parents. A well-crafted schedule helps children have stability and security during a disruptive time in their lives.

Should the Parenting Schedule Be in Writing?

Putting the custody schedule in writing is essential. This document outlines the allocation of parental responsibilities, including parenting time, decision-making authority, transportation arrangements, and methods for resolving disputes. A thorough parenting plan should include:

• The weekly schedule, including weekdays and weekends

• A holiday and vacation schedule

• Pick-up and drop-off times and locations

• Communication protocols between both the parents and with the child

• A process for modifying the plan or resolving future disagreements

What Types of Parenting Schedules Are Available?

Families may consider several commonly used parenting time schedules, depending on their particular circumstances. One option is an alternating week schedule, where the child spends one full week with one parent and the following week with the other. This arrangement provides a simple, consistent rotation, though it may not be ideal for younger children who benefit from more frequent exchanges.

Another option is the 2-2-3 schedule, which allows the child to spend two days with one parent, the next two days with the other parent, and then alternate weekends. This format offers frequent contact with both parents and is typically used when parents live near each other.

Some families use a 3-4-4-3 schedule, where one parent has the child for three days the first week and four days the next week, with the other parent following the reverse pattern. This schedule helps balance parenting time and maintain a stable routine.

A weekends-only schedule may be used when one parent has limited availability during the week. This is more common when parents live far apart or have work-related limitations. Other families may agree to a fully customized plan that accounts for special considerations, such as rotating holidays, accommodating a parent’s travel schedule, or observing religious practices.

What Should You Consider When Creating a Custody Schedule?

When parents create a parenting time schedule, the primary focus must be on the child’s well-being. Illinois courts require that all parenting time arrangements reflect the child’s best interests, as defined in Section 602.7 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.

Some key considerations to consider when creating a parenting plan include the child’s age, emotional and physical needs, and developmental stage. Younger children may require shorter and more frequent transitions between parents, while older children may do well with longer stays and fewer handoffs. The parents’ work schedules, the distance between their homes, and the child’s school and extracurricular commitments also influence what schedule will work best.

It is also important for the parents to cooperate, communicate, and make decisions together. If there is a history of conflict or difficulty working together, a more structured and detailed schedule may be necessary to avoid misunderstandings. If safety is a concern due to domestic violence, substance abuse, or other serious issues, the court may restrict or supervise parenting time to protect the child.

How Does the Court Determine a Parenting Time Schedule?

When parents cannot agree on a schedule, the court will intervene to establish one based on the child’s best interests. State law outlines specific factors judges must consider, which include:

• The wishes of each parent and the child (if the child is mature enough to express a preference)

• The child’s needs and overall well-being

• The amount of time each parent has spent performing caretaking responsibilities in the past

• The mental and physical health of the parents and the child

• The parents’ willingness to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent

• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community

• Any past history of violence, abuse, or threats that could affect the child’s safety

Sometimes, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL), which is an attorney or trained professional tasked with investigating and making recommendations to the court based on the child’s best interests. Judges have flexibility when deciding parenting time schedules, but their decisions must be supported by the facts of the case and follow the law.

Can You Modify a Custody Schedule After It Is Finalized?

Parenting time schedules can be modified, but only under certain conditions. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances or if the current schedule no longer serves the child’s best interests, the court may approve a modification. Common reasons to request a change include a parent’s relocation, a change in work schedule, a shift in the child’s needs, or concerns about the child’s safety.

A parent must file a formal request with the court to modify a schedule. Until the court grants the modification, both parents are required to follow the existing parenting plan. It is important to document any changes and present a clear rationale for the proposed modification.

Contact a Kendall County, IL Parenting Time Lawyer

If you are going through a separation or divorce and need help creating a parenting time schedule, a Yorkville, IL child custody attorney at Goostree Law Group can help. Our team will work with you to develop a plan that protects your rights and supports your child’s well-being. Call 630-584-4800 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.