How Is Parenting Time Split in Illinois?

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Child Custody

Figuring out how to divide physical custody is one of the biggest hurdles for parents going through a divorce. There is no one "right" way to allocate parenting time, but in any case, the arrangement must put the child’s best interests first. If you are in the midst of a custody dispute, an Illinois family law attorney can advocate for a favorable parenting time schedule on your behalf. 

Intense custody battles can be draining for all parties involved, especially the children caught between parents. At The Thomas Law Office, we are ready to work toward a long-term solution that promotes your child’s well-being.

Parental Fitness

Parental fitness is one of the most significant factors in allotting child custody. In this context, "fitness" refers to a parent’s ability to take care of a child. Assuming both parents can provide for a child’s needs, they may have equal rights to parenting time. However, certain factors may lead to a parent being deemed unfit, such as:

●       A history of neglect or abuse against the child

●       Substance abuse issues

●       A violent criminal record

●       Having a dangerous romantic partner in the house

●       Abandoning the child

If you believe that your child’s safety will be compromised with your ex, our lawyer can fiercely argue for a custody arrangement that focuses on protecting your child. We can also help you contest false allegations of parental unfitness, petitioning for your right to parenting time.

Distance Between the Homes

When parents move apart, the distance between their homes can have a significant impact on the parenting time schedule. For instance, if the parents live in the same town or county, switching houses on a regular basis may be trivial. However, if the parents live 50 or 100 miles away from each other, maintaining an even ratio of parenting time may be less feasible.

To get around this problem, parents need to create a schedule that accommodates the family’s needs while still promoting the bond between parent and child. Oftentimes, parental relocations over a long distance will require a re-negotiation of custody. Our firm can help you draft a parenting plan that acknowledges the physical distance between homes.

Community and Access to Resources

When deciding who the child should live with for a majority of the time, the geographic location of either parent’s home may play a role in the court’s final ruling. The presence of a good school, hospital, library, parks, and other fixtures can be considered important for a child’s healthy upbringing. While it will never be the sole factor taken into account, access to these resources may be given weight when determining what is in the child’s best interests.

Additionally, a child’s attachment to his or her community may be considered in the allocation of custody. Family law courts recognize that children may have strong ties to friends or relatives at one location, and as such, the geographic location of one parent’s home could influence parenting time.

Meet With a McHenry County, IL Family Law Attorney Today

Do you have any concerns about how parenting time will be split up in your divorce? At The Thomas Law Office, our Kane County, IL child custody lawyer can stand up for you, presenting a parenting plan that prioritizes your child’s safety. Call us at 847-426-7990 to set up a consultation today.