Parallel Parenting in Illinois – A Solution for High-Conflict Custody Cases
When parents separate or divorce in Illinois, their ability to work together in raising their children can vary widely. In some cases, parents are able to communicate effectively, cooperate on decisions, and maintain a relatively smooth parenting relationship. Unfortunately, for many families, intense conflict makes traditional co-parenting nearly impossible. Hostility between parents can harm children, leading to stress, divided loyalties, and instability.
Parallel parenting is an alternative custody arrangement designed to minimize conflict by limiting direct contact between parents while still ensuring that children have meaningful relationships with both. As a family law attorney in Schaumburg, I have seen parallel parenting help families who otherwise could not maintain a healthy parenting structure. It is a practical solution for high-conflict cases that puts children’s well-being at the forefront while following the requirements of Illinois custody law.
What Parallel Parenting Means In Illinois
Parallel parenting is a parenting plan structure that reduces the need for parents to communicate directly. Each parent makes day-to-day decisions for the child during their parenting time without interference from the other parent. Major decisions, such as those involving education, medical care, and religion, are addressed in the parenting plan approved by the court under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/600 et seq.).
The Illinois statute defines “parental responsibilities” in two parts – decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.5, the court allocates decision-making responsibilities regarding significant matters such as health care, education, religion, and extracurricular activities. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7, the court allocates parenting time between parents. Parallel parenting typically allows both parents to retain decision-making rights, but with clear divisions and boundaries that reduce conflict.
Why Courts Consider Parallel Parenting
Illinois courts always focus on the best interests of the child. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.7(b), the court considers a wide range of factors, including the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, the mental and physical health of all individuals involved, and the ability of parents to cooperate in making decisions. In high-conflict cases where constant disputes undermine the child’s stability, courts may approve a parallel parenting arrangement as a way to protect the child’s best interests.
Parallel parenting is often used when:
- Parents engage in repeated conflict that cannot be resolved.
- Communication between parents is hostile or abusive.
- Traditional co-parenting causes stress for the child.
- The court determines that direct cooperation is not in the child’s best interests.
Key Features Of A Parallel Parenting Plan
A well-structured parallel parenting plan sets out very specific rules so that both parents understand their rights and responsibilities. These may include:
- Clear Parenting Time Schedules – Parenting time is outlined in detail, leaving little room for interpretation or dispute.
- Limited Communication – Parents may be restricted to written communication through email, text, or parenting apps to minimize hostile interactions.
- Defined Decision-Making Authority – Each parent’s role in making decisions is set out clearly, with major decisions addressed in advance by the court-approved plan.
- Neutral Exchange Locations – If necessary, exchanges of children may take place at neutral sites to avoid direct confrontations.
By minimizing opportunities for conflict, the parenting plan provides stability for children who might otherwise be caught in constant parental battles.
Legal Ramifications Under Illinois Law
Parallel parenting does not remove either parent’s legal rights. Both parents remain entitled to parenting time and decision-making authority as defined by statute. However, under 750 ILCS 5/602.7, the court may restrict certain rights if it finds that such restrictions are necessary to protect the child. For example, if one parent has a history of abuse or severe conflict, the court may limit that parent’s decision-making authority or require supervised communication.
Violations of a parenting plan are serious. If a parent repeatedly disregards the terms of the plan, the other parent can return to court to enforce the order under 750 ILCS 5/607.5, which allows the court to impose penalties or modify parenting time. Parents should understand that parallel parenting is not a license to ignore responsibilities—it is a structured framework that requires careful compliance.
How Parallel Parenting Protects Children
The central benefit of parallel parenting is that it shields children from adult conflict. By reducing the amount of direct communication between parents, children are less likely to witness arguments or feel pressured to take sides. Research and practical experience show that children adjust better when parental conflict is minimized, even if parents remain at odds.
Parallel parenting allows both parents to remain active in their child’s life, which Illinois law strongly supports. The statutory presumption under 750 ILCS 5/602.7 encourages involvement by both parents whenever possible, as long as it does not place the child at risk.
Why Legal Guidance Is Essential
Parallel parenting arrangements require careful drafting of parenting plans to ensure they comply with Illinois statutes and reflect the family’s unique circumstances. A poorly written plan may create confusion or new conflicts. As an attorney, I work with parents to craft plans that protect their children, establish boundaries, and reduce the likelihood of repeated court appearances.
Because parallel parenting often arises in highly contentious cases, legal representation ensures that your voice is heard and that the court understands your child’s needs. With professional guidance, you can achieve a plan that prioritizes your child’s stability and complies with Illinois custody law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parallel Parenting In Illinois
What Is The Difference Between Co-Parenting And Parallel Parenting?
Co-parenting requires parents to communicate regularly and cooperate on decisions, while parallel parenting limits direct communication and allows each parent more autonomy during their parenting time. Parallel parenting is intended for high-conflict cases where traditional co-parenting is not workable.
Does Parallel Parenting Take Away A Parent’s Rights?
No. Both parents retain their parental rights under Illinois law. The parenting plan simply structures how those rights are exercised to reduce conflict. The court can restrict rights only if necessary to protect the child’s best interests.
How Do Courts Decide If Parallel Parenting Is Appropriate?
Courts look at the level of conflict between parents, the ability of parents to communicate, and the effect of conflict on the child. If the court finds that constant conflict harms the child, it may approve a parallel parenting plan.
Can A Parallel Parenting Plan Be Modified Later?
Yes. Parenting plans can be modified under 750 ILCS 5/610.5 if there is a substantial change in circumstances and the modification is in the child’s best interests. Parents may move from parallel parenting to co-parenting if conflict decreases over time.
What Happens If A Parent Violates A Parallel Parenting Plan?
If one parent refuses to follow the plan, the other parent can petition the court for enforcement under 750 ILCS 5/607.5. The court can order make-up parenting time, impose fines, or modify the parenting schedule.
Do Children Benefit From Parallel Parenting?
Yes. Children benefit because they are shielded from direct exposure to parental conflict. They still maintain strong relationships with both parents but without the stress of constant disputes.
Can Parallel Parenting Be Ordered Temporarily?
Yes. Courts may order parallel parenting on a temporary basis during a divorce or custody proceeding if conflict is intense. The arrangement can later be reviewed to determine if it should remain in place.
Do Parents Have To Communicate In A Parallel Parenting Plan?
Communication is limited but not eliminated. Parents may be required to use parenting apps, emails, or texts for essential matters only, such as medical emergencies or schedule changes.
Is Parallel Parenting Used In Cases Of Domestic Violence?
In some cases, yes. If one parent has a history of abuse, parallel parenting may reduce opportunities for confrontation. However, courts may also impose additional restrictions, including supervised visitation, to protect the child and the other parent.
Can Parallel Parenting Reduce The Number Of Court Disputes?
Often, yes. By clearly outlining responsibilities and limiting communication, parallel parenting reduces opportunities for conflict and decreases the likelihood of repeated court involvement.
Call The Law Office Of Fedor Kozlov Today
If you are struggling with a high-conflict custody case, you do not have to face it alone. Parallel parenting may provide a structured, effective solution that protects your children while reducing the strain on your family. At the Law Office of Fedor Kozlov, I work closely with parents in Schaumburg and throughout the Chicago area to develop parenting plans that comply with Illinois law and place children’s needs first.
Contact our Chicago divorce attorney at (847) 241-1299 for exceptional legal assistance and to schedule a consultation. I represent clients in Schaumburg and across the greater Chicago area, and I am ready to help you explore whether parallel parenting is the right approach for your family.
