Key Steps in Drafting an Effective Parenting Plan

 Posted on February 14, 2026 in Divorce

For a divorcing parent, the pressures you face are amplified, as your responsibilities are nearly doubled due to the transitional needs of the entire family. Not only do you need to make living and financial arrangements for yourself while also looking after your physical and emotional health, but you must also make arrangements for any children you share with your spouse. 

A solid parenting agreement is essential when entering post-divorce life, as it will provide the legal blueprint for how you will continue to raise your child once you are separated. At Davi Law Group, our Wheaton, IL child custody lawyer can help protect your parental rights with a solid parenting plan. We have over 20 years of legal experience, so you can rely on us to guide you through your case.

Are Parenting Plans Mandatory in Illinois?

In a divorce involving children, parents must submit a parenting plan for court approval. It is the document that puts the major parts of your co-parenting agreement in writing.

A good parenting plan usually answers basic questions. How will you handle school breaks and summer? What about holidays and birthdays? How will you divide responsibility for your child’s transportation? How will you communicate about school events, activities, and medical appointments? What will you do if a child gets sick on a school day? These details may seem small, but figuring them out now can prevent arguments later.

Parenting plans can also set rules for communication. For example, some parents agree to use email or a parenting app. Others set quiet hours so late-night calls do not turn into fights. The plan may also cover how to handle new partners, travel, and emergency contact information. A parenting plan creates structure so that your child does not feel pulled in two directions.

Even if you are on good terms, putting agreements in writing can still help. People forget. Schedules change. Emotions run high during stressful weeks. A clear plan can help you stay focused on your child, not on the conflict.

How to Organize Your Parenting Plan in 2026

Although the pressure may be overwhelming as you address the allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody) and parenting time (visitation), there are a few ways to help streamline the parenting plan process and ensure you start off on the right foot. 

Make a List of Areas That Require Major Decision-Making

An integral part of creating a parenting agreement begins with identifying the areas that will require major decision-making on your and your spouse’s behalf regarding your child’s upbringing. Start by making a list of everything that is relevant or important to your child’s lifestyle following the divorce. 

For example, identify which parent will be responsible for various care-taking functions, from your child’s health care and educational needs, to his or her religious upbringing, and how he or she will get to and from any extracurricular activities. The key is to define which parent will take care of the child’s basic needs, outline what that care should look like on a daily basis, and clarify which responsibilities are shared or divided.

Discuss How You Both Envision Parenting Time

Under Illinois law, parents are given "parenting time," once referred to as visitation, which is designated time that a parent assumes the role of caregiver for the child. Visitation time and custody arrangements are typically the most difficult matters to address for divorcing parents, as they often spark heated disagreements and generate a significant amount of conflict throughout the overall divorce process. You may not be able to prevent disputes in this area, but you can attempt to take a proactive approach early on by discussing your preferences and expectations for how you both would like custody and visitation time to play out.

Determine How You Will Handle Any Disagreements

Inevitably, disagreements will happen as you work to put together an effective, cohesive parenting agreement, no matter how peaceful or mutual the split. Be sure to discuss how you both will handle any disputes that arise as you assemble your parenting plan, and how you intend to resolve them.

What if We Can’t Agree on a Parenting Plan?

Many parents do not agree right away. That does not mean you have failed. It means you may need help working through the hard parts.

Mediation is one common option. In mediation, a neutral professional helps both parents talk through the issues. The mediator does not take sides, but instead guides the conversation and helps you explore solutions. This option can work as a less stressful alternative to court. It also gives parents greater control compared to a rigid court order.

To prepare for mediation, gather your schedule, your child’s school calendar, and any activity schedules. Think about what your child needs most. For example, does your child do better with a steady routine? Does your child have special medical or learning needs? Be ready to compromise on some points. At the same time, be honest about what will not work. Mediation is often successful when both parents show up willing to listen.

How Do You Know if a Judge Will Approve a Parenting Plan?

A judge will review a parenting plan to see if it serves the child’s best interests (750 ILCS 5/602.7). Figuring out what is best for the child requires a detailed review on a case-by-case basis.

Judges often focus on the child’s daily life. Does the plan support a steady school routine? Does it allow the child to attend activities and keep friendships? Does it reduce conflict between parents? The judge may also consider the child’s needs based on age and development. A plan that works for a teenager may not work for a preschooler.

The judge may consider how well the parents can communicate and cooperate. If the plan depends on constant last-minute changes, the judge may question whether it is realistic. A judge will usually prefer a plan with clear rules, clear exchange times, and clear methods of communication.

Safety matters, too. If there are concerns about abuse, neglect, or substance use, the judge may require added protections. That might include supervised exchanges or limits on certain activities. The key idea is simple. A judge is likely to approve a plan when it is practical, stable, and centered on the child’s well-being.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Child Custody Lawyer

Behind every effective parenting agreement is a mutual desire to focus on the child’s best interest. If disputes are keeping you from making progress or you have other concerns about creating a parenting plan, working with a qualified DuPage County, IL divorce attorney who is well-versed in these issues can help point you in the right direction. Call Davi Law Group today at 630-657-5052 to schedule your free consultation.