Illinois law uses the term parental responsibilities to describe a parent’s authority to make significant decisions about a child. Rather than simply determining which parent has “custody”, the court may allocate different decision-making responsibilities between parents.
When parents cannot agree on parental responsibilities or parenting time, the court may decide. Illinois courts make these determinations based on the child’s best interests.
The court may consider a variety of circumstances involving the child and both parents rather than relying on any single factor.
The goal is to establish an arrangement that protects the child’s well-being and provides an appropriate structure for the family moving forward.
Which parent has the authority to make significant decisions.
Where the child will spend weekdays, weekends, and other regularly scheduled parenting time.
How holidays, birthdays, summer breaks, and other special occasions will be divided.
Where exchanges will occur and which parent is responsible for transportation.
How parents will communicate about their child and share important information.
Expectations for phone calls, videos, and other communication when the child is with the other parent.
Whenever possible, parents may be able to negotiate and submit an agreed parenting plan for court approval. This can give parents greater control over the arrangement and allow them to create a schedule specifically suited to their family.
When parents cannot agree on decision-making responsibilities, parenting time, or other significant issues, the matter may be contested. Negotiation or mediation may still help resolve some disagreements, but unresolved issues may ultimately need to be decided by the court.
Even when parents generally agree, having a clear and comprehensive parenting plan can help prevent misunderstandings later.
