As divorce attorneys serving clients throughout Chicago, we know that creating a parenting plan after a separation or divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging steps for families. While some parents are able to maintain open communication and work together for the benefit of their children, others face ongoing conflict that makes direct collaboration extremely difficult. In Illinois, the law recognizes that not every parenting arrangement will look the same, and the courts allow flexibility to create a plan that best serves the child’s best interests. Two common approaches are co-parenting and parallel parenting, and the right choice often depends on the level of conflict between the parents.
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/600 et seq.), the primary focus in any parenting arrangement is the child’s best interests. The law requires parents to submit a Parenting Plan that addresses decision-making, parenting time, communication, and other important details. When parents cannot agree, the court will impose a plan that it finds appropriate. Understanding the differences between co-parenting and parallel parenting can help parents present a realistic and workable plan to the court.
What Is Co-Parenting In Illinois?
Co-parenting is a collaborative parenting style where both parents communicate regularly, attend events together, and jointly make decisions about their child’s education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. In a true co-parenting arrangement, both parents are willing and able to put aside personal differences to focus entirely on the child’s needs.
Under 750 ILCS 5/602.5, decision-making responsibility can be shared, giving both parents an equal voice in major child-related decisions. This arrangement works best when both parties can maintain civil communication, follow agreed-upon schedules, and trust each other to uphold commitments. For lower-conflict situations, co-parenting can provide children with stability and the reassurance that both parents are united in supporting them.
What Is Parallel Parenting In Illinois?
Parallel parenting is designed for high-conflict situations where frequent communication between parents may lead to disputes that harm the child. In a parallel parenting plan, each parent makes day-to-day decisions independently during their parenting time, and communication is limited to essential matters, often conducted in writing through a parenting app or email.
While 750 ILCS 5/602.7 allows both parents to share parenting time, the structure of a parallel parenting arrangement minimizes direct contact. This approach can protect children from exposure to ongoing parental conflict while still allowing both parents to remain actively involved in their lives.
Choosing Between Co-Parenting And Parallel Parenting
When determining which approach to recommend or request in court, we look at factors such as the parents’ ability to communicate, the level of hostility between them, and whether disagreements have historically interfered with the child’s well-being. Illinois courts will evaluate the statutory best interest factors under 750 ILCS 5/602.7(b), which include the parents’ ability to cooperate, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and each parent’s willingness to place the child’s needs ahead of their own.
For high-conflict cases, parallel parenting can create a stable, low-contact framework that reduces stress for both the parents and the child. However, it still requires clear guidelines in the parenting plan to avoid misunderstandings, such as specifying exchange locations, setting firm schedules, and defining how emergencies are handled.
Modifying Parenting Plans As Circumstances Change
Illinois law allows parenting plans to be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances or if the modification is in the child’s best interests (750 ILCS 5/610.5). Parents who begin with parallel parenting may later transition to co-parenting if conflict decreases and trust improves. Conversely, a co-parenting arrangement can shift to parallel parenting if conflict worsens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Co-Parenting And Parallel Parenting In Illinois
What factors determine if the court will order parallel parenting?
The court will consider the level of conflict, communication issues, and whether past disputes have negatively affected the child. Evidence of hostility, repeated disagreements, or an inability to cooperate can support the need for a parallel parenting plan.
Can we still share decision-making in a parallel parenting plan?
Yes, parents can share decision-making responsibilities even in parallel parenting, but the plan must outline how decisions will be made and communicated to minimize conflict.
Will a judge prefer co-parenting over parallel parenting?
Courts generally prefer co-parenting if it is in the child’s best interests, but in high-conflict cases, parallel parenting may better protect the child from ongoing disputes.
Can a parenting plan be changed from co-parenting to parallel parenting?
Yes. If conflict increases or communication breaks down, either parent can request a modification, and the court may approve a shift to parallel parenting if it benefits the child.
What communication methods work best for parallel parenting?
Parenting apps, email, and text messages with clear, factual communication are often preferred to reduce misunderstandings and limit emotional exchanges.
Does Illinois law require both parents to attend school or medical appointments together?
No. A parallel parenting plan can specify that each parent attends separate events or appointments to reduce tension, as long as the child’s needs are met.
Is parallel parenting permanent?
Not necessarily. As relationships and circumstances change, parents can modify the plan to increase cooperation and move toward co-parenting if possible.
Call Michael C. Craven For Help With High-Conflict Parenting Plans
We understand that every family dynamic is unique, and a one-size-fits-all parenting arrangement does not work for everyone. Whether you are pursuing co-parenting or parallel parenting, we can help craft a plan that protects your child’s well-being while respecting your parental rights.
Contact our Chicago divorce lawyer today by calling (312) 621-5234 to schedule a free consultation. Let’s discuss your options and take the next step with confidence. We represent clients throughout the city of Chicago, Illinois.
