How Do I Create a Parenting Plan in Illinois?

 Posted on November 04, 2025 in Child Custody

Creating a parenting plan is part of sharing custody in Illinois. It explains how you and the other parent will divide your children’s time, make decisions for them, and handle daily parenting responsibilities. If you are unsure about how to draft your parenting plan, either together with your co-parent or on your own, we can help. Our experienced Wheaton, IL child custody lawyers will ensure your plan complies with Illinois law and protects you and your child’s interests.

Requirements for an Illinois Parenting Plan

According to 750 ILCS 5/602.10, both parents must file a parenting plan within 120 days after a custody case begins. This document has to describe how parenting time and decision-making responsibilities will be divided. If you both agree and submit the same plan, the court can approve it without a hearing. If you disagree, the judge will review both your plans and decide what is best for your child.

In Illinois, child custody is called "parental responsibilities." It includes decision-making authority, which refers to who is permitted to make important choices about the child’s education, health care, religion, and activities. It also addresses parenting time, which explains where the child will live and when each parent will spend time with them.

Courts make these decisions based on what is in your child’s best interests, a standard that is set under 750 ILCS 5/602.7. Judges will consider your child’s specific needs and how involved each of you has been in the child’s daily life. Whether or not you can cooperate to co-parent also plays a part in the final decision. Just like you, judges want your child to be safe and supported.

Details You Should Include in Your Parenting Plan

Your parenting plan should be clear and detailed. Some important points to include are:

• When will the child be with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school vacations?

• Who will make major decisions about education, health, and other important areas?

• Who will handle drop-offs and pick-ups and where will those exchanges happen?

• What are the expectations for phone calls, texts, or video chats?

• What should happen if your child gets sick or injured while with either of you?

• What will happen if one of you plans to move? Under 750 ILCS 5/609.2, a parent who wants to move a certain distance away must give written notice and may need court approval.

• How will disagreements be handled: through mediation, counseling, or by returning to court?

What Happens if Parents Cannot Agree on a Parenting Plan in Illinois?

If parents cannot agree, the court often sends them to mediation. During this process, a neutral person helps both sides talk through problems and reach an agreement. If mediation does not work, each parent must submit their own plan, and the judge will make the final decision.

If necessary, the court appoints a guardian ad litem (GAL). This is a trained professional who represents the child’s interests. The GAL will talk to the parents, teachers, and other people involved in the child’s life. Based on what they learn, they make recommendations to the judge. 

Once the court orders a final agreement, parents have to follow it. However, if there are issues, both parents have the right to petition for a modification to the parenting plan under the right circumstances.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a DuPage County, IL Parental Responsibilities Attorney

At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, our team provides caring and experienced guidance to Illinois families. Attorney Andrew Cores is a Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and a former member of its TEC Committee. His work shows a strong commitment to helping families resolve disputes peacefully and fairly, often without costly litigation.

If you need help drafting or updating your plan, call 630-871-1002 to speak with our Wheaton, IL child custody lawyers today.