Parenting time is one of the most personal issues a family can face after a separation or divorce. The schedule a family settles on affects daily routines, holidays, school decisions, and the day-to-day relationship between a child and each parent.

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At Larimer Law LLC, attorney Angela Larimer helps parents throughout Chicago and Cook County establish, modify, and enforce parenting time arrangements that work for their family's specific circumstances.

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Every family's schedule needs are different. Larimer Law works closely with clients to understand their work demands, their children's needs, and their long-term goals before recommending a path forward.

 

Understanding Parenting Time in Illinois

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In 2016, Illinois replaced the term "visitation" with "parenting time" as part of a broader shift away from "custody" language. Parenting time refers specifically to the schedule that determines when a child is with each parent — separate from parental responsibilities, which cover decision-making authority.

 

Parenting time issues commonly arise around:

• Weekly and weekend schedules

• Holiday and school break schedules

• Summer vacation time

• Transportation and exchange logistics

• Right of first refusal for childcare

• Communication during the other parent's time

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How Illinois Courts Determine Parenting Time

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Illinois courts allocate parenting time based on the best interests of the child. Factors that may be considered include:

• Each parent's wishes regarding parenting time

• The child's wishes, depending on age and maturity

• The child's adjustment to home, school, and community

• The physical and mental health of everyone involved

• Each parent's ability to cooperate and facilitate a relationship with the other parent

• Distance between the parents' homes

• Each parent's daily schedule, including work obligations

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Creating a Parenting Plan

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Illinois requires parents to submit a parenting plan, either by agreement or through the court. A parenting plan typically addresses:

• A regular weekly schedule

• Holiday and school break rotations

• Transportation responsibilities for exchanges

• Procedures for resolving future disagreements

• Communication expectations between households

 

A clearly written parenting plan can reduce future conflict and give both parents and children a predictable routine to rely on.

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Modifying Parenting Time

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Life changes, and parenting time schedules sometimes need to change with it. Common reasons for seeking a modification include:

• A parent's relocation

• A change in work schedule

• A child's evolving school or activity schedule

• Concerns about how the current schedule is working in practice

 

Attorney Angela Larimer helps clients evaluate whether a modification is appropriate and guides them through the process of seeking or responding to one.

 

Enforcing Parenting Time Orders

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When a parent does not follow an existing parenting time order — missed exchanges, withheld time, or unilateral schedule changes — the other parent has legal options. Larimer Law helps clients understand enforcement remedies available under Illinois law and how to pursue them effectively.

 

Why Choose Larimer Law LLC

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Clients choose Larimer Law because of its commitment to:

• Clear communication

• Practical, schedule-focused guidance

• Personalized attention

• Child-centered problem-solving

 

Attorney Angela Larimer works closely with parents to build parenting time arrangements that hold up in practice, not just on paper.

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Serving Parenting Time Clients Throughout Chicago and Cook County

 

Larimer Law LLC represents parents throughout Chicago and the surrounding Cook County area, including Edgebrook, Sauganash, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, Lincoln Square, Forest Glen, North Park, and nearby Cook County communities.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between parenting time and custody?
Illinois no longer uses the term "custody." Parenting time refers to the schedule for when a child is with each parent, while parental responsibilities cover decision-making authority.

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Can parenting time schedules be changed after they're finalized?
Yes. Parenting time orders may be modified when there has been a significant change in circumstances.

 

What happens if the other parent doesn't follow the parenting time schedule?
Illinois law provides enforcement options when a parent fails to comply with a parenting time order, depending on the specific circumstances.

 

Does a child get to choose their parenting time schedule?
A child's preference may be considered depending on age and maturity, but it is not the only factor courts weigh.

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Can parents create their own parenting time schedule?
Yes. Parents are encouraged to reach an agreement on parenting time when possible, which the court can then approve as part of a parenting plan.

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Speak With a Chicago Parenting Time Attorney

If you have questions about establishing, modifying, or enforcing a parenting time schedule, Larimer Law LLC can help you understand your options under Illinois law.

 

Contact Larimer Law today to schedule a consultation.