Going through a divorce and worrying about parenting time issues is undoubtedly one of life’s most challenging experiences. For parents, the prospect of not seeing their children every day can be heart-wrenching. Questions about divorce and child custody are common, and concerns about how these changes will affect children are valid. Fortunately, with the right strategies and mindset, you can create a custody arrangement that prioritizes your children’s well-being.

Understanding Custody in Divorce

In Illinois, “custody” is often called the “allocation of parenting time,” which encompasses custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities. Parents must attend a parenting class to understand the effects of divorce on children and learn how to co-parent effectively. You will also need to develop a “parenting plan,” outlining major decisions in education, religion, medical care, extracurricular activities, and how parental time will be divided.