Four Common Custody Arrangements by Age

 Posted on July 24, 2025 in Child Custody

When parents in Illinois divorce or separate, determining how to share time with their children is often the most challenging issue they face. Custody arrangements can vary widely depending on the child’s age, their developmental needs, and the family’s circumstances. Although parents are strongly encouraged to create a parenting plan that makes arrangements for decision-making (custody) and parenting time (visitation), when this is not possible, the Court can also make a plan based on the best interests of the child.

Understanding the most common custody arrangements by age can help parents set realistic expectations for a parenting plan after divorce. If you have small children and are considering divorce, our Arlington Heights, IL child custody attorney can help you negotiate a fair parenting plan that takes your children’s ages and needs into consideration.

Custody Arrangements for Infants and Toddlers

For very young children, the Court usually tries to prioritize stability and frequent contact with both parents. Since infants rely heavily on routines, Judges might assign the majority of parenting time to one parent and shorter, more frequent visits with the other. Overnight stays may be limited initially, but can increase as the child grows and adjusts.

These arrangements are designed to ensure that both parents can bond with the child during their earliest developmental stages while minimizing disruption to feeding and sleeping schedules.

Custody for Preschool and Elementary-Aged Children

As children reach preschool and elementary age, they typically adapt more easily to spending extended time with each parent. At this age, shared parenting time arrangements where the child alternates between homes on a regular schedule, such as every few days or weekly, are more common than at earlier ages.

For example, one common schedule is the "2-2-3" arrangement, where a child spends two days with one parent, two with the other, and alternates weekends. This approach gives the child frequent contact with both parents while creating a predictable routine.

Custody Arrangements for Preteens

Preteens often benefit from more extended stays in each home to reduce transitions during their busy school and activity schedules. A "week on/week off" schedule may work well for children in this age group. Judges consider the child’s maturity level and school commitments when approving such arrangements.

Parents should also be mindful of the child’s social development at this stage. Arrangements that allow them to maintain friendships and participate in extracurricular activities are often favored by the Court.

Custody Arrangements for Teenagers

Teenagers may have stronger opinions about where they want to live and how they divide their time between parents. Illinois law allows Judges to consider the wishes of older children when determining custody, though the final decision is always based on a child’s best interests.

For teenagers, flexible schedules that accommodate school, work, and social activities are typically most appropriate. Some teens prefer living primarily with one parent during the school year and spending extended time with the other parent during summer breaks.

Modifying Custody as Children Grow

Remember that custody arrangements are not set in stone. As children grow and their needs change, parents can request modifications to existing orders. In Illinois, a parent must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances and that the proposed modification is in the child’s best interests before changes can be made. 

Contact a Palatine, IL Divorce Lawyer for Minor Children and Parenting Plans 

If you are going through a custody dispute or need to modify an existing arrangement, call an Arlington Heights, IL child custody lawyer at The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C.. We can guide you through the process of creating or changing a custody order and present a compelling case to the Court. 

We offer free consultations and can help you protect your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s needs. Contact us today at 847.873.6741 to schedule your appointment.