Addressing Important Concerns in Parenting Time Decisions

 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Child Custody

Child custody adds a layer of complexity to a divorce that can completely stall legal proceedings. But even if things are tense between you and your co-parent, unless you totally rely on a judge to make custody decisions for you, you will still have to work together to divide up parenting time. This is not easy, but you do not have to figure out a long-term solution for parenting time and parental responsibilities on your own. A St. Charles, IL child custody attorney at our firm can help you find a viable solution.

Since our firm was established in 2005, Weiler & Associates, Inc. has helped clients with difficult family law issues. We can help you address the logistical and emotional questions of splitting up custody, advocating for your parental rights while protecting your child’s best interests. Here are some things to think about as you consider the options for custody arrangements. 

How Will the Distance Between Homes Affect My Parenting Plan?

When parents move into separate households, the distance between their homes can significantly impact child custody. For instance, it may be easy to facilitate a joint custody agreement if the parents live in the same town. However, 50/50 parenting time is not as feasible if the parents live cities or even states apart from each other.  

If joint custody is not feasible, the child may have to stay at one household year-round. Different factors may play a role in this decision, such as the presence of family members, sentimental attachment to the marital home or local community, and more.

Should the Child Stay at Both Houses After a Divorce?

Many divorces end with a shared custody arrangement where the child spends equal time at both households. However, this model does not work for every family. For instance, some parents work odd hours that do not easily line up with the child’s schedule. When deciding how to split up parenting time after a divorce, both parents’ availability should be considered. Parenting time can accommodate visits on certain weekends, holidays, or another regular schedule that keeps both parents in the picture.

Sometimes, the issue in dividing up parenting time runs deeper than scheduling. In more troubled divorces, an arrangement of sole custody may be appropriate. This is usually reserved for situations where the parents cannot be around each other or if allegations of abuse are involved. Sole custody is not taken lightly by the courts, and it is only considered when the child’s well-being is at stake.

Will a Judge Consider My Preferences for Parenting Time?

A judge will take into account what each parent wants for custody. Likewise, the court will consider the child’s wishes in regard to parenting time, especially if the child is old enough to understand what the divorce entails. That being said, regardless of any party’s preferred parenting time arrangement, the child’s best interests come first. 

Our attorneys understand the numerous factors that make up the standard for the child’s best interests. We can help you make a case for a sustainable parenting time agreement that balances the child’s wants and needs. 

Meet With a Kane County, IL Family Law Attorney

At Weiler & Associates, Inc., we can represent you in complicated parenting time disputes. To schedule a consultation with our St. Charles, IL child custody lawyers, call our offices at 630-331-9110 today.