Illinois Sole Allocation of Significant Decision-Making and Majority Parenting Time Agreement

ILLINOIS AGREEMENT FOR SOLE ALLOCATION OF SIGNIFICANT DECISION-MAKING AND MAJORITY PARENTING TIME

Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/602.5 and 5/602.7 — Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act

IMPORTANT: ILLINOIS LEGAL FRAMEWORK — SOLE ALLOCATION

Under the IMDMA (effective January 1, 2016), Illinois does not use "sole custody." Instead, the court may allocate sole significant decision-making responsibility to one Parent under 750 ILCS 5/602.5, and/or designate one Parent with majority parenting time under 750 ILCS 5/602.7. These are independent determinations — a Parent may have sole decision-making and equal parenting time, or joint decision-making and majority parenting time.

Key Statutory Standards:

• Decision-Making Factors (750 ILCS 5/602.5(c)): The court determines allocation based on the Child(ren)'s best interests, considering: (1) the wishes of each Parent; (2) the Child(ren)'s needs; (3) each Parent's willingness to facilitate the other's involvement; (4) prior agreements or courses of conduct; (5) the Child(ren)'s wishes; (6) each Parent's participation in past significant decision-making; (7) any judicial or administrative finding of domestic violence or abuse; and (8) whether one Parent has a military family-care plan.

• Parenting Time (750 ILCS 5/602.7(a)): It is presumed both Parents are fit. The court shall not restrict parenting time unless it finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a Parent's exercise of parenting time would seriously endanger the Child(ren)'s physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.

• Restriction (750 ILCS 5/603.10): The court may impose conditions on parenting time — including supervision, drug/alcohol restrictions, prohibitions on certain persons being present, bond requirements, or treatment program completion — when the evidence shows a Parent's conduct seriously endangers the Child(ren).

1. COURT AND CASE INFORMATION

In the Circuit Court of the [________________________________] Judicial Circuit
County of [________________________________], State of Illinois

☐ Domestic Relations Division ☐ Family Division

Case Number: [________________________________]

Case Type: ☐ Dissolution of Marriage ☐ Legal Separation ☐ Parentage ☐ Allocation of Parental Responsibilities ☐ Order of Protection ☐ Other: [________________________________]

1.1 Primary Parent (Sole Decision-Maker / Majority Parenting Time)

Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
County: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Attorney: [________________________________]
ARDC No.: [________________________________]

1.2 Non-Primary Parent

Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
County: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Attorney: [________________________________]
ARDC No.: [________________________________]

1.3 Minor Child(ren)

1.4 Recitals

A. The Parents are the legal parents of the Child(ren).
B. The Parents agree that it serves the Child(ren)'s best interests for the Primary Parent to hold sole significant decision-making responsibility and majority parenting time.
C. The basis for sole allocation is: [________________________________] (e.g., geographic distance, history of inability to cooperate, safety concerns, Non-Primary Parent's work schedule, Non-Primary Parent's voluntary agreement, etc.)
D. The Non-Primary Parent shall have parenting time as set forth in this Agreement. It is presumed that both Parents are fit under 750 ILCS 5/602.7(a), and the Non-Primary Parent's parenting time shall not be restricted absent a finding of serious endangerment.
E. This Agreement is filed as an agreed parenting plan pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/602.10.

2. SOLE ALLOCATION OF SIGNIFICANT DECISION-MAKING (750 ILCS 5/602.5)

2.1 Sole Decision-Making Authority

The Primary Parent shall have sole significant decision-making responsibility for all major decisions regarding the Child(ren), including:

2.2 Consultation Obligation

☐ Option A — Consultation Required: The Primary Parent shall consult with the Non-Primary Parent before making significant decisions and shall give good-faith consideration to the Non-Primary Parent's input, but the Primary Parent retains final decision-making authority.

☐ Option B — Notification Only: The Primary Parent shall notify the Non-Primary Parent of significant decisions within [____] days after the decision is made.

☐ Option C — No Consultation Obligation: Due to [________________________________] (domestic violence, inability to communicate, etc.), the Primary Parent has no obligation to consult with the Non-Primary Parent on significant decisions.

2.3 Day-to-Day Decisions

Each Parent makes routine day-to-day decisions during that Parent's allocated parenting time (meals, bedtime, homework, hygiene, social activities, appropriate discipline). (750 ILCS 5/602.5(b).)

2.4 Emergency Decisions

Either Parent may make emergency health or safety decisions when immediate action is required. The deciding Parent shall notify the other Parent within twenty-four (24) hours. (750 ILCS 5/602.5(b)(2).)

3. PARENTING TIME ALLOCATION (750 ILCS 5/602.7)

3.1 Primary Residence

The Child(ren) shall reside primarily with the Primary Parent at [________________________________]. This shall be the Child(ren)'s address for school enrollment and mailing purposes.

3.2 Non-Primary Parent's Parenting Time Schedule

☐ Schedule A: Standard Parenting Time

• Alternating weekends: Friday at [____] ☐ PM to Sunday at [____] ☐ PM
• One midweek evening: [________________________________] (day) from [____] ☐ PM to [____] ☐ PM ☐ with overnight / ☐ dinner only
• Summer: [____] non-consecutive weeks with [____] days' advance written notice

☐ Schedule B: Extended Parenting Time

• Alternating weekends: Friday after school/[____] ☐ PM to Monday school drop-off/[____] ☐ AM
• Two midweek overnights: [________________________________] and [________________________________] from after school to next morning school drop-off
• Summer: [____] consecutive weeks with sixty (60) days' advance written notice

☐ Schedule C: Long-Distance Parenting Time (when Parents reside more than [____] miles apart)

• [____] weekends per month: [________________________________]
• Extended school breaks: ☐ Spring break in ☐ even / ☐ odd years; ☐ Winter break — ☐ first half / ☐ second half alternating annually
• Summer: [____] weeks ☐ consecutive / ☐ non-consecutive
• Virtual parenting time: [________________________________] (days/times) via ☐ video call / ☐ telephone
• Transportation costs: ☐ Non-Primary Parent bears all / ☐ Shared equally / ☐ [____]% Primary / [____]% Non-Primary

☐ Schedule D: Restricted/Supervised Parenting Time (750 ILCS 5/603.10)

• Frequency: [________________________________]
• Duration: [________________________________]
• Location: ☐ Professional supervised visitation center: [________________________________] / ☐ In presence of approved supervisor: [________________________________]
• Conditions: [________________________________]
• Review: Supervision shall be reviewed every [____] months. Upon demonstrated compliance with conditions, the Non-Primary Parent may petition for expanded parenting time.

☐ Schedule E: Custom Schedule
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

3.3 Holiday and School Break Schedule

Holidays supersede the regular schedule.

4. EXCHANGES AND TRANSPORTATION

4.1 Exchange Location

☐ School/daycare (dropping-off Parent delivers; receiving Parent picks up)
☐ Primary Parent's residence (curbside)
☐ Neutral public location: [________________________________]
☐ Police station: [________________________________]
☐ Supervised exchange facility: [________________________________]

4.2 Transportation

☐ Non-Primary Parent provides all transportation
☐ Primary Parent provides all transportation
☐ Receiving Parent provides transportation (picks up)
☐ Shared: [________________________________]

4.3 Exchange Rules

(a) Child(ren) shall be ready at the scheduled time with necessary belongings and medications.
(b) Fifteen (15) minutes' notice if running late.
(c) Neither Parent shall enter the other's home without invitation.
(d) No conflict at exchanges.
(e) If a Parent fails to appear for a scheduled exchange within [____] minutes without notice, the exchange is forfeited for that period.

5. COMMUNICATION

5.1 Co-Parenting Communication

Communication method: ☐ OurFamilyWizard ☐ TalkingParents ☐ Email ☐ Text ☐ Other: [________________________________]

5.2 Parent-Child Communication

The Primary Parent shall facilitate reasonable communication between the Child(ren) and the Non-Primary Parent, including:

• ☐ Daily telephone/video calls at approximately [________________________________] for up to [____] minutes
• ☐ [________________________________] (days) telephone/video calls at approximately [________________________________]
• ☐ Unrestricted reasonable communication

Neither Parent shall monitor, record, or interfere with the Child(ren)'s communications with the other Parent absent documented safety concerns.

5.3 Emergency Notification

The Primary Parent shall notify the Non-Primary Parent within twenty-four (24) hours of:

• Any medical emergency, injury, illness, or hospitalization
• Any contact with law enforcement or DCFS involving the Child(ren)
• Any school disciplinary action (suspension, expulsion)
• Any change in address or telephone number

5.4 Prohibited Conduct

☐ No disparaging remarks about the other Parent or the other Parent's family in the Child(ren)'s presence
☐ No discussion of litigation or adult financial matters with the Child(ren)
☐ No use of the Child(ren) as messengers
☐ No alienating conduct

6. INFORMATION SHARING AND RECORDS ACCESS

The Non-Primary Parent shall have the right to independently access:

• School records, report cards, progress reports, IEP/504 plans
• Medical, dental, vision, and mental health records
• Extracurricular activity information
• Daycare/childcare information

Both Parents shall be listed as emergency contacts with all providers and institutions.

The Primary Parent shall provide the Non-Primary Parent with copies of report cards and significant medical information within [____] days of receipt.

7. RELOCATION (750 ILCS 5/609.2)

7.1 Primary Parent Relocation

The Primary Parent acknowledges that relocation exceeding the statutory thresholds (25 miles in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will County; 50 miles in any other county; 25 miles out of state) requires sixty (60) days' written notice to the Non-Primary Parent and compliance with 750 ILCS 5/609.2.

If the Non-Primary Parent consents in writing and the notice is filed with the Court, relocation proceeds without further court action.

If the Non-Primary Parent objects, the Primary Parent must petition the Court, which will evaluate the eleven (11) relocation factors under 750 ILCS 5/609.2(g).

7.2 Non-Primary Parent Relocation

If the Non-Primary Parent relocates, the Parents shall negotiate in good faith to modify the parenting time schedule, including increased virtual parenting time and extended holiday/summer periods. If the Parents cannot agree, either may petition the Court.

8. RESTRICTION OF PARENTING TIME (750 ILCS 5/603.10)

8.1 Current Status

☐ No restrictions exist on the Non-Primary Parent's parenting time.

☐ Restrictions apply. The following conditions are imposed on the Non-Primary Parent's parenting time based on a finding that unrestricted parenting time would seriously endanger the Child(ren):

☐ Supervised parenting time by: [________________________________]
☐ Professional supervision at: [________________________________]
☐ No overnight parenting time
☐ Abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs during and within [____] hours before parenting time
☐ No contact with specific person(s): [________________________________]
☐ Complete treatment program: [________________________________]
☐ Post bond: $[________________________________]
☐ Drug/alcohol testing: ☐ Random ☐ Upon request. Testing provider: [________________________________]. Cost borne by: ☐ Non-Primary Parent ☐ Shared
☐ Other: [________________________________]

8.2 Review and Step-Up Provisions

If restrictions are imposed, the following step-up plan shall apply upon demonstrated compliance:

Phase 1 (Months 1-[____]): [________________________________]
Phase 2 (Months [____]-[____]): [________________________________]
Phase 3 (Months [____]+): [________________________________]

The Non-Primary Parent may petition the Court to modify restrictions under 750 ILCS 5/603.10 upon a showing that modification is appropriate.

9. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

9.1 Child Support

☐ Child support shall be calculated pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/505 based on each Parent's income and the parenting time allocation, and addressed ☐ in this proceeding / ☐ separately.

9.2 Healthcare

☐ [________________________________] shall maintain health, dental, and vision insurance for the Child(ren).
☐ Unreimbursed medical expenses shall be divided: Primary Parent [____]% / Non-Primary Parent [____]%.

9.3 Education and Extracurricular Expenses

☐ Expenses for school fees, supplies, and extracurricular activities approved by the Primary Parent shall be ☐ the Primary Parent's sole responsibility / ☐ shared: Primary Parent [____]% / Non-Primary Parent [____]%.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

10.1 Process

Step 1: Direct, good-faith communication.
Step 2: Mediation with a qualified family mediator (750 ILCS 5/602.10(e)). Costs: Primary Parent [____]% / Non-Primary Parent [____]%.
Step 3: Court intervention by motion in the Circuit Court.

10.2 Mediation Exception

Mediation is not required where an Order of Protection is in effect or the Court determines impediments to mediation exist. (750 ILCS 5/602.10(e).)

11. MODIFICATION (750 ILCS 5/610.5)

• Parenting time may be modified at any time upon a showing of changed circumstances that necessitate modification in the Child(ren)'s best interests.
• Significant decision-making may not be modified within two (2) years of the order unless the Child(ren)'s present environment seriously endangers their health or impairs emotional development. After two years, modification requires a showing of substantial change in circumstances.
• Modification may proceed without changed circumstances if: (i) it reflects the actual arrangement for six months; (ii) it is minor; (iii) it corrects an error; or (iv) the Parents agree.

12. PARENTING EDUCATION

☐ Both Parents have completed or agree to complete a parenting education program as required by local circuit court rule or Court order (not to exceed four hours). (750 ILCS 5/602.10(f).)

13. GUARDIAN AD LITEM / CHILD REPRESENTATIVE (750 ILCS 5/506)

☐ Not applicable.

☐ GAL appointed. Name: [________________________________]; ARDC No.: [________________________________]
☐ Child Representative appointed. Name: [________________________________]; ARDC No.: [________________________________]

Fee allocation: Primary Parent [____]% / Non-Primary Parent [____]%.

14. EXECUTION

We, the undersigned, have read this Agreement, understand its terms, and submit it as an agreed parenting plan under 750 ILCS 5/602.10.

PRIMARY PARENT:

Signature: _________________________________
Print Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

NON-PRIMARY PARENT:

Signature: _________________________________
Print Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ATTORNEY FOR PRIMARY PARENT:

Signature: _________________________________
Print Name: [________________________________]
ARDC No.: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ATTORNEY FOR NON-PRIMARY PARENT:

Signature: _________________________________
Print Name: [________________________________]
ARDC No.: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

15. ORDER OF THE COURT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE [____] JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
[________________________________] COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Case No.: [________________________________]

The Court, having reviewed the Sole Allocation of Significant Decision-Making and Majority Parenting Time Agreement, having considered the best interest factors of 750 ILCS 5/602.7(b) and the decision-making factors of 750 ILCS 5/602.5(c), and finding that the Agreement serves the best interests of the minor Child(ren):

☐ The Court finds that sole significant decision-making responsibility to the Primary Parent is appropriate based on the factors in 750 ILCS 5/602.5(c).
☐ The Court finds that the parenting time allocation serves the Child(ren)'s best interests under 750 ILCS 5/602.7(b).
☐ The Court finds that any restrictions on parenting time comply with 750 ILCS 5/603.10.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Agreement is approved and incorporated as an order of this Court, effective [__/__/____].

Date: [__/__/____]

_________________________________
Judge, Circuit Court of [________________________________] County, Illinois
[____] Judicial Circuit

Sources and References

Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA)

• 750 ILCS 5/602.5 — Significant Decision-Making: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.5.htm
• 750 ILCS 5/602.5(c) — Factors for Decision-Making Allocation: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.5.htm
• 750 ILCS 5/602.7 — Parenting Time: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.7.htm
• 750 ILCS 5/602.10 — Parenting Plan: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.10.htm
• 750 ILCS 5/603.10 — Restriction of Parenting Time: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K603.10.htm
• 750 ILCS 5/609.2 — Relocation: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K609.2.htm
• 750 ILCS 5/610.5 — Modification: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K610.5.htm

Court Resources

• Cook County Domestic Relations Division: https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/part-13-domestic-relations-proceedings
• Illinois Legal Aid — Parental Responsibilities: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/divorce-and-parental-responsibilities
• Illinois Courts — Approved Forms: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/form-library/536571/536606/sub-forms

Prepared for attorney review. This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Illinois attorney before use.