What it is: the schedule that outlines when the child is with each parent — including regular schedules, holidays, vacations, and special occasions. The goal is to ensure children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents, as long as that is appropriate.
Naming note: “visitation” is the old word; in Illinois the law now says “parenting time.” Same idea, new name. When a court or lawyer says parenting time, it means the time the child spends with each parent.
What a schedule covers: weekday overnights, weekends, holidays (often split or alternated year to year), school breaks, summer, and transportation between homes.
Watch out for: vague schedules breed conflict. “Every other weekend” leaves open Friday night vs. Saturday morning, where to exchange, and what happens on a holiday that lands on a weekend. The more specific the plan, the fewer arguments — and the parenting coordinator never has to get involved.
