What is 'allocation of parental responsibilities' in Illinois?

Illinois replaced 'custody' with 'allocation of parental responsibilities,' which covers significant decision-making (education, health, religion) and parenting time (physical time with the child).

How does Illinois determine parenting time?

Courts consider 17 factors including each parent's wishes, the child's needs, the child's adjustment to home and school, and the willingness of each parent to facilitate the other's relationship.

How is child support calculated in Illinois?

Illinois uses an income shares model considering both parents' net incomes, the number of children, parenting time percentage, and additional expenses like healthcare and childcare.

Can a parent relocate with a child in Illinois?

Relocating more than 25 miles (within metro areas) or 50 miles (elsewhere) requires court approval or the other parent's consent. Courts evaluate the impact on the child's relationship with both parents.

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Parental Responsibilities Allocation

Illinois allocates 'parental responsibilities' (decision-making) separately from 'parenting time' (physical time with child).

Joint Decision-Making

Courts often award joint decision-making for major issues like education, health, and religion while one parent may have primary parenting time.

Parenting Plan Requirement

All custody cases require detailed parenting plans submitted within 120 days of filing, outlining time allocation and decision-making.

Key Facts About Illinois Family Law

1
Illinois uses 'parental responsibilities' and 'parenting time' instead of custody
2
Courts allocate decision-making responsibilities separately from parenting time
3
Child support follows income shares model
4
Parenting plans are required in all cases

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Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Custody

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