Common Joint Custody Scenarios After Divorce

 Posted on August 17, 2025 in Child Custody

When parents divorce in Illinois, the court must decide how parenting time and parental responsibilities will be allocated. In many cases, joint custody, known under Illinois law as the shared allocation of parental responsibilities, allows both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life. While the specific arrangement depends on the family’s circumstances, certain patterns tend to emerge in joint custody cases.

As of August 2025, Illinois law continues to prioritize arrangements that serve the child’s best interests, which include maintaining strong relationships with both parents when possible. Our large, well-respected firm has Wheaton child custody lawyers with more than 110 years of combined legal experience. 

We can help you understand possible custody scenarios whether you are working toward an agreement in mediation or pursuing a resolution through litigation. Clients consistently say they appreciate the responsiveness of our attorneys and staff, as well as the close communication maintained throughout the process. Call us today at 630-462-9500 to see how we can assist in your case. 

Understanding Joint Custody Under Illinois Law

In Illinois, the term "joint custody" is no longer used in statutes; instead, the law uses the terms "parenting time" and "allocation of parental responsibilities." However, many people still use "joint custody" to describe an arrangement in which parents share decision-making authority and parenting time. Joint arrangements do not necessarily mean equal time; rather, they mean that both parents have meaningful roles in raising the child.

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) requires that the court consider many factors when determining custody arrangements, such as the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to cooperate, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and the mental and physical health of everyone involved.

When Does a Divorce Result in Equal Parenting Time?

In some cases, joint custody means an equal split in parenting time. This is commonly a week-on, week-off schedule or another rotation that ensures both parents have similar amounts of time with the child. This arrangement can work well when:

• Both parents live in close proximity to each other and the child’s school.

• Parents have compatible work schedules that allow them to handle school drop-offs, extracurriculars, and medical appointments.

• The child is adaptable and benefits from spending substantial time with each parent.

Equal parenting time often requires flexibility and a high degree of cooperation. The court will look for evidence that the parents can communicate effectively, resolve disputes without constant intervention, and put the child’s needs above personal conflicts. For some families, the stability of this arrangement helps children feel that both parents are equally present in their lives after divorce.

Primary Residence with Extended Visitation Works Best for Parents Who Live Farther Apart 

Another common joint custody scenario is when the child lives mostly with one parent but spends extended time with the other. For example, the child might live with one parent during the school week and spend alternating weekends, certain holidays, and part of the summer with the other.

This arrangement may be more practical when parents live farther apart, when one parent’s work schedule does not allow for equal time, or when the child’s schooling and extracurricular activities require a more centralized base. Even in this model, both parents can share major decision-making responsibilities in areas such as education, healthcare, and religion. The court often finds this beneficial for children who thrive on routine but still need consistent contact with both parents.

Alternating Weeks with Adjustments for School and Activities Works Well for Older Kids 

Some families use a near-equal parenting schedule but adjust it to fit the child’s academic and extracurricular commitments. For instance, one parent may have the child during the school week while the other has most weekends, with longer blocks of time in the summer.

This type of arrangement can reduce midweek transitions, which may benefit children who have demanding school or activity schedules. It also allows each parent to have quality, uninterrupted time with the child while keeping the child’s academic performance and extracurricular participation consistent. Older children often benefit from this arrangement. 

Creative Custody Schedules Based on Parents’ Work Shifts

Joint custody can also involve custom arrangements tailored to parents’ nontraditional work hours. For example, if one parent works overnight shifts or rotating schedules, parenting time may be concentrated on days when that parent is off work. In other cases, parents with significant travel commitments might adjust schedules seasonally to reflect changing availability.

The court’s primary concern will be whether the arrangement meets the child’s needs and provides regular, predictable contact with each parent. Judges are generally willing to approve creative schedules as long as both parents agree and the plan serves the child’s best interests.

Decision-Making Responsibilities When Parents Share Joint Custody

In Illinois, joint custody is not only about time but also about decision-making authority. The law recognizes four major areas of parental responsibility:

• Education: Where the child attends school, special education services, tutoring, and related decisions

• Healthcare: Medical, dental, and mental health care choices, including providers and treatments

• Religion: Participation in religious education and activities

• Extracurricular Activities: Which activities the child participates in, and how these fit into the schedule

Parents can share responsibility equally in all areas or divide responsibilities based on their strengths or the child’s needs. For example, one parent might handle educational decisions because of their familiarity with the school district, while the other might manage healthcare decisions due to professional expertise.

Common Challenges with Joint Custody Arrangements 

While joint custody has many benefits, it also has its challenges. Parents need to coordinate schedules, agree on discipline, and maintain consistent expectations across households. Miscommunication can lead to fights, which may ultimately harm the child. This is why clear parenting plans and reliable communication methods, whether through phone calls, emails, or parenting apps, are so important.

Attorneys with extensive experience in both mediation and litigation can help parents create detailed parenting agreements that address common disputes in advance, reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Child Custody Lawyer

If you are navigating custody decisions, we can help you explore joint custody options that work for your family. Contact a DuPage County, IL divorce attorney at The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. by calling 630-462-9500 to work with a highly experienced legal team dedicated to protecting your parental rights and your child’s well-being.