What Are the Most Common Parenting Schedule Options in Illinois?

Parenting is tough enough when everyone is under the same roof. Add a divorce into the mix, and making decisions about day-to-day care and schedules for your child can feel overwhelming. That’s where a parenting plan comes in. A clear and effective parenting plan provides structure and clarity, reduces conflict, and offers children the stability they need during a challenging time.

At Arami Law, Inc., we’ve spent the last 20 years helping parents create personalized parenting plans that fit their family’s unique circumstances. In this post, we’ll share insight on some of the most common parenting plans our clients choose in Illinois so you can make a good decision for your family.

Illinois Parenting Time Laws

In Illinois, parenting plans are determined based on the child’s best interests. This means that the plan should prioritize the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Parenting time laws in Illinois also aim to ensure that both parents have a meaningful relationship with their children and share decision-making responsibilities. As long as a parenting schedule is in the child’s best interests and allows both parents to play an active role in their child’s life, the court will likely approve it.

The Most Common Parenting Schedule Options

Parenting plans vary depending on family dynamics, work schedules, and children’s needs. Below are some of the most common options in Illinois, along with their benefits and considerations.  

50/50 Parenting Schedule

A 50/50 parenting schedule divides time equally between both parents. Popular variations include alternating weeks (seven days with each parent) or a pattern such as 3-4-4-3 (three days with one parent, four with the other, and so on).  

Benefits  

• Maintains strong bonds with both parents by promoting regular contact.  
• Ensures balanced involvement in the child’s life.  
• A great fit when parents live close to one another and can coordinate schedules seamlessly.  

Considerations  

• Can be disruptive if too much back-and-forth travel interferes with school or extracurricular activities.  
• Requires strong communication and cooperation between parents.  

60/40 Parenting Plan

With this schedule, one parent has the child about 60% of the time and the other 40%. For example, the child might spend weekdays with one parent and weekends with the other.  

Benefits  

• Ideal when one parent has a slightly more consistent weekday schedule or is more centrally located for school pickups.  
• Provides a balance for co-parents who communicate but benefit from some separation in day-to-day parenting responsibilities.  

Considerations  

• Less equally shared than a 50/50 plan, but still provides frequent contact with both parents.  

70/30 Schedule

A 70/30 schedule designates about 70% of the time to one parent and the remaining 30% to the other. Often, the child spends weekdays with the primary caregiver and weekends with the other parent.  

Benefits  

• Works well when one parent has a more demanding work schedule.  
• A practical choice if parents live farther apart or if one parent’s responsibilities make balanced parenting shifts challenging.  

Considerations  

• The non-primary parent may need to actively ensure they remain involved in daily aspects of the child’s life, like homework or school events.  

80/20 and 90/10 Schedules

These plans heavily favor one parent as the primary caregiver, with the other having limited time. For example, in an 80/20 arrangement, the child may live with one parent full-time and visit the other every other weekend.

Benefits  

• Provides stability when the child thrives better with one primary home base.  
• Ideal for situations where one parent travels frequently or lives in a different city.

Considerations  

• Less frequent contact with one parent can impact the relationship if not balanced with regular communication, such as video calls or texts.

Plans for Special Circumstances

Certain situations require more nuanced solutions. For example, in cases where one parent is in the military, flexibility is critical to address deployment schedules, relocations, or extended absences. Long-distance arrangements may also involve creative solutions, such as designating long weekends or summers for visits.  

Determining the Right Plan for Your Family

Every family is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all parenting plan. To determine what works best for you, consider factors such as your work schedules, your child’s age, and the level of communication and cooperation you can manage with your ex-spouse. Honest self-assessment often helps parents uncover what’s truly in the best interest of their child—and the reality of what they can commit to.  

Working with an experienced attorney can also make the process smoother. Attorneys help identify potential challenges, mediate disputes, and ensure your plan not only meets your needs but also aligns with Illinois laws.

It’s also important to remember that a parenting plan does not have to be set in stone – if issues ever arise or circumstances change, you can seek a custody modification with the courts.  

Secure Your Family’s Future with a Strong Parenting Plan

Parenting plans aren’t just about time—they’re about trust, collaboration, and a child’s stability. A carefully crafted plan provides both parents and children with clarity, reducing stress and building a foundation for the future.  

At Arami Law, Inc., we’ve dedicated nearly two decades to helping Illinois parents create parenting plans that work. If you need guidance tailoring a plan to your family’s unique circumstances, don’t hesitate to reach out. From straightforward cases to special situations, we’re here to make sure your parenting plan sets your child up for success.