Settling Parental Responsibilities in Illinois: 5 Steps

Settling is usually the best way to resolve a parental responsibilities case. Settling means parents reach an agreement and file it with the court to make it a final judgment.

Parents can agree to settle at any point during the court process.

It limits time spent in court, keeps costs down, gives parents control and prevents making conflicts worse.

To encourage settling, Illinois makes parents attend parenting classes and mediation before resorting to trial. You can also reach a settlement agreement via other methods of alternative dispute resolution, such as early neutral evaluation.

After opening a case and negotiating an agreement with the other parent, follow the steps below to settle your case. If you hire an attorney, they'll guide you through the steps and file paperwork on your behalf.

Step 1: Draft your parenting plan

Illinois courts require a parenting plan to settle your case. You may use the Illinois courts parenting plan template or the Custody X Change template.

Your parenting plan must explain the division of parental responsibilities, plus give provisions for relocation and mediation.

It should also include a parenting time schedule. If you make your plan with Custody X Change, it's easy to include a written and visual schedule.

Step 2: Complete other paperwork

Next, complete the following forms:

• Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (if you're divorcing)
• Order for Child Support (if one parent will pay child support)

Have a legal professional review your documents.

Step 3: Schedule a court date

Before you can ask the judge to settle your case, you need to schedule a hearing. The circuit clerk can help you arrange a court date.

Ask the clerk if they'll notify the other parent of the court date. If not, you may need to notify them yourself using the Notice of Court Date form.

Step 4: Get approval from a judge

Both parents must attend the hearing, called a prove-up. Bring three copies of all your documents.

The judge will sign off unless your agreement jeopardizes the child's best interests. Domestic abuse or drug use are often to blame when a judge doesn't sign a parental responsibilities settlement.

Step 5: File with the court clerk

Take the signed documents to the court clerk to officially file as your final judgment. You will receive a copy, and the court will retain the originals. Be sure to keep all documents safe in case you need them in the future.

After you've settled

The custody journey continues after you receive a final judgment. Now your responsibilities include:

• Following your parenting time schedule closely
• Communicating civilly about co-parenting
• Tracking child-related expenses if your parenting plan calls for splitting them
• Modifying your parenting plan if it becomes necessary

To do all of this and more, use Custody X Change.

The online app's customizable calendars, parent-to-parent messaging, expense tracker and parenting plan template will make life after settlement as straightforward as they made settlement itself.