According to Illinois laws, you and the other parent should consider the following factors when making decisions regarding the development of your parenting plan:
1. the wishes of the child's parent or parents.
2. the wishes of the child.
3. the interaction and interrelationship of the child with his parent or parents, his siblings and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best intererests.
4. the child's adjustment to his home, school and community.
5. the mental and physical health of all individuals involved.
6. the physical violence or threat of physical violence by the child's potential custodian, whether directed against the child or directed against another person.
7. the occurrence of ongoing or repeated abuse, whether directed against the child or directed against another person.
8. the willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child.
The Illinois courts realize you and the other parent know your own situation better than anyone else, which is why this is your opportunity to create a parenting plan that will maintain a family structure that is in the best interests of your child(ren).