Does Remarriage Affect Parenting Time in Illinois?

 Posted on October 29, 2025 in Child Custody / Parental Responsibilities

Remarriage can complicate parenting arrangements. It might affect daily routines, living situations, and even emotional dynamics for your child. If you have concerns about your existing custody order, we can help. Our experienced Chicago, IL parental responsibilities lawyers can explain your options and ensure that your child’s best interests remain the top priority.

Can a Parent’s Remarriage Change an Existing Parenting Plan?

Getting remarried does not automatically change your parenting plan. However, remarriage can create new situations that make a change necessary. Under 750 ILCS 5/610.5, either parent can ask the court to modify parenting time if there has been a "substantial change in circumstances." Significant changes are common in remarriage. For example, moving into a new home with a new school district can affect the child’s schedule.

How Could a Stepparent Influence Parenting Time Decisions?

A stepparent can affect parenting time in both positive and negative ways. If the stepparent provides a stable, caring home and treats the child well, that is good for everyone. If the stepparent causes conflict, tension, or emotional harm, the judge will take that into account.

Statute 750 ILCS 5/602.7 clearly states that the court must make any parenting time decisions based on what serves the child’s best interests. Judges look at many details, including how the stepparent interacts with the child, whether the home is a safe and stable environment, and whether the new marriage helps or hurts the child’s well-being. The court does not judge anyone for getting remarried. It only wants to ensure the child’s environment is healthy and secure.

Can Remarriage Affect Child Support or Financial Responsibilities?

In most cases, remarriage does not change how much child support you pay or receive. Under 750 ILCS 5/505, the court usually does not count a new spouse’s income when calculating child support. The law holds only the child’s biological or legal parents responsible for providing support. However, if the remarriage improves one parent’s financial situation, the court can consider that when deciding how much support should be paid. For example, sharing expenses or lowering household costs can leave a parent with more money available to contribute toward child support.

Ultimately, there are many angles to consider. For some couples, remarriage means that living costs might increase. These changes can affect your child’s living situation and may be discussed in court if they impact your parenting time or the child’s stability. If the parenting time schedule changes in a way that decreases visitation with one parent, that may result in a new or modified child support order.

What Should You Do if You Want To Modify Parenting Time After Remarriage?

If you think remarriage has changed what is best for your child, you can ask the court to modify parenting time. The process usually includes:

• Filing a petition to modify parenting time.

• Explaining how remarriage or new household conditions have had a significant impact.

• Showing how your proposed change would benefit your child.

Every family’s situation is different. Working with a family law attorney can help you prepare the right evidence and explain why the change makes sense for your child.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Cook County, IL Child Custody Attorney

When your family changes, your parenting plan may need to change too. The team at The Law Office of George J. Skuros helps parents understand each part of the legal process. We make sure you know what to expect. We also help you stay prepared and explain the possible outcomes clearly. No matter the situation, we will seek the best possible results for your family.

Call 312-884-1222 today to schedule your free consultation with our Chicago, IL parental responsibilities lawyers. You will receive honest advice, clear communication, and strong legal support.