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What Happens if My Ex Stops Following Our Parenting Agreement in Illinois?
When a parenting plan is approved by the court in a divorce or custody case, it becomes a legally binding order. So what happens when one parent stops following it? Ignoring scheduled parenting time, interfering with communication, or making major decisions are violations that can create significant stress for both the other parent and the children.
At Shaw Sanders, P.C., we guide parents through resolving these violations, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary. Call our St. Charles, IL family law attorney to learn more about how we can help you.
Is Violating a Parenting Plan Illegal in Illinois?
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/600), parenting plans approved by the court are enforceable orders. Violations of following the plan include refusing to allow parenting time, regularly being late or skipping exchanges, failing to consult on major decisions like education or medical care as required by the parenting plan, and withholding important information about the child. As of June 2025, Illinois courts continue to take these violations seriously and have a range of options they use to enforce the terms of a parenting plan.
What Should I Do if My Ex Is Violating Our Parenting Plan?
Start by documenting every time the agreement was not followed. Courts rely on clear records to assess whether there is a pattern of noncompliance. You can use a parenting app, journal, or messages like texts and calls to show what happened and when.
When possible, mediation can be an effective first step. As a mediator with significant experience in Illinois family law, our lead attorney at Shaw Sanders, P.C. encourages clients to resolve disputes out of court when appropriate. Mediation helps both parents come back to the table and find practical solutions without escalating the conflict.
However, when one parent refuses to cooperate or repeatedly breaks the agreement, the court may need to get involved.
How Can the Court Enforce a Parenting Plan?
If informal solutions do not work, you can file a motion to enforce the parenting plan. The court may:
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Order make-up parenting time
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Change the parenting plan to better protect the child’s interests
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Require one or both parents to go to counseling or parenting classes
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Hold the violating parent in contempt of court, which can result in fines or other penalties
Contact a Kane County, IL Child Custody Lawyer
If your co-parent is not following your Illinois parenting agreement, you do not have to deal with this alone. Contact a St. Charles, IL child custody attorney at Shaw Sanders, P.C. to review your options in a free consultation We offer skilled legal guidance and strive for peaceful solutions whenever possible, but we are ready to litigate if needed to protect your rights and your child’s well-being.Call 630-584-5550.
630-584-5550