The Most Common Joint Parenting Time Schedules

 Posted on August 07, 2025 in Visitation

Illinois allows parents to come up with their own parenting plan, including a parenting time schedule, to maximize parenting time with their children. However, a judge can intervene if they feel a different schedule would better suit the best interests of the children. There are many examples of visitation schedules that parents or a judge can choose. However, some are more common than others. For a more in-depth look into parenting plans and schedules, consulting an experienced DuPage County, IL child custody attorney could be beneficial.

Joint Parenting Time Schedules With Nearly Equal Time in Illinois

When parents in Illinois share joint custody, they often try to create a schedule that allows both to spend nearly equal time with their child. Illinois law encourages parenting time arrangements that support the child’s well-being and maintain strong relationships with both parents. According to 750 ILCS 5/602.7, courts consider the child’s best interests when approving or ordering a parenting time schedule.

Some common 50/50 parenting time schedules used by co-parents in Illinois include:

• Alternating weeks: One parent has the child for an entire week, and then the child switches to the other parent for the following week. Exchanges typically happen on Fridays after school or on Sunday evenings.

• 2-2-3 schedule: The child spends two days with Parent A, two days with Parent B, and then three days with Parent A. The next week, the pattern reverses, so Parent B has the three-day weekend.

• 2-2-5-5 schedule: Parent A has the child for two days, followed by two days with Parent B. Then Parent A gets five consecutive days, and the following week Parent B gets five days. This schedule is great for consistency and extended stays.

• 3-3-4-4 schedule: Each parent alternates between having the child for three days and then four days. For example, Parent A has Monday through Wednesday, Parent B has Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday alternates weekly.

• Monthly split (two-week rotations): Each parent gets the child for two full weeks at a time. This schedule may work better for older children or long-distance co-parenting.

• Midweek overnight or dinner visit: For schedules that span a week or more, parents might include a midweek overnight stay or dinner visit to allow contact during the other parent’s time.

These schedules can be customized based on your child’s age, school calendar, extracurriculars, and the parents’ work routines. No matter which plan is used, it should promote a healthy routine and emotional stability for your child. Parents can agree on a plan. However, if they cannot agree, the court may establish one.

Joint Parenting Time Schedules With Unequal Time in Illinois

In Illinois, some joint parenting time schedules do not split time exactly 50/50 but still allow both parents to remain involved in the child's life. A common 60/40 arrangement gives one parent four days each week and the other parent three. This pattern can stay consistent or alternate weekly so that, over the course of a month, both parents spend a somewhat even number of days with their child. These types of schedules are often used when one parent has a more flexible work routine or lives closer to the child’s school or daycare.

Another option is the every-other-weekend schedule, where one parent has the child most of the time, and the other has parenting time on alternating weekends. For example, Parent A may have the child for five days during the first week, while Parent B has the child for the weekend. Then, Parent A would have the child for the next 12 days until the following weekend, when Parent B has their next two days. While this plan gives one parent significantly more time, it may work well when long distances or demanding schedules make frequent exchanges difficult. No matter the arrangement, it is important to recognize that children often need time to adjust to a new routine.

Common Holiday and Vacation Schedules in Illinois

In addition to the regular parenting time schedule, parents must also account for holidays and extended school breaks. These periods are often treated separately and require special attention to ensure both parents share meaningful time with their children throughout the year. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.10, parenting plans should include specific provisions for holidays and vacations to help avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.

Common ways parents in Illinois divide holiday and vacation time include:

• Alternating holidays: Parents may alternate major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and birthdays.

• Even/odd-year rotations: One parent may have the child on a specific holiday during even-numbered years, while the other parent has the same holiday in odd-numbered years.

• Split holidays: Some parents choose to divide the day itself, allowing the child to spend the morning with one parent and the evening with the other.

• Extended summer breaks: Summer vacation can be split equally or given in two-week increments to each parent for travel and uninterrupted time.

• Spring and winter break: These school breaks are often alternated annually or split evenly between both parents.

Including these details in a parenting plan ensures smoother transitions when the time comes. Clear agreements help reduce tension and allow the child to enjoy the holidays without conflict between parents.

Modifying an Existing Parenting Time Schedule in Illinois

Parenting time schedules may need to change as your child grows or if there is a significant change in circumstances, as outlined in 750 ILCS 5/610.5. For example, a new job, a necessary move, or a new school schedule could make the original plan unworkable. In Illinois, a parent can request a modification to the parenting time schedule by filing a motion with the court. As with the original parenting plan, the court will evaluate whether the change is in the best interests of your child. Parents are encouraged to work together and come to a mutual agreement whenever possible. If you cannot agree, the court may hold a hearing and issue a new parenting time order based on your child’s well-being.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Family Law Attorney

If you are seeking a parenting time arrangement that protects your relationship with your child, Davi Law Group is here to help. Attorney Dion U. Davi, a former Assistant State's Attorney in DuPage County, has been recognized as a Super Lawyers honoree for 10 consecutive years. He has also received the Elite Lawyer Award every year since 2018, reflecting his commitment to excellence in family law. 

Whether you are pursuing joint parenting time or facing a more complex custody matter, our team can guide you through the legal process with clarity and compassion. Contact an experienced DuPage County, IL parenting time lawyer at Davi Law Group to schedule your free consultation today.