Article IX. Child Custody or Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Proceedings · Part A. Rules of General Application to Child Custody or Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Proceedings · Last amended 2021 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 901 requires courts to schedule and hold custody and parental-responsibilities hearings on an expedited basis, limit continuances, and rule on matters taken under advisement within 60 days.
(a)Expedited Hearings. Child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings
shall be scheduled and heard on an expedited basis. Hearings in child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings shall be held in strict compliance with applicable deadlines established by statute or by this article.
(b)Setting of Hearings. Hearings in child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings shall be set for specific times and state whether parties shall appear in person or remotely, including by telephone or video conference. At each hearing, the next hearing shall be scheduled, and the parties shall be notified of the date and time of the next hearing and whether the parties shall appear in person or remotely, including by telephone or video conference. Hearings rescheduled following a continuance shall be set for the earliest possible date.
(c)Continuances. Parties, witnesses and counsel shall be held accountable for attending hearings in child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings. Continuances shall not be granted in child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings except for good cause shown and may be granted if the continuance is consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the child. The party requesting the continuance and the reasons for the continuance shall be documented in the record.
(d)In any child custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, or relocation proceeding taken under advisement by the trial court, the trial judge shall render its decision as soon as possible but not later than 60 days after the completion of the trial or hearing.
(e)Appeals. Appeals from orders entered in child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings shall be pursuant to the applicable civil appeals rules. All such proceedings shall be expedited according to Rules 311(a) and 315(i).
Plain-English Summary
Rule 901 pushes custody cases toward faster resolution. It requires courts to set hearings for specific times, tell the parties whether to appear in person or remotely, and schedule the next hearing before the current one ends. That keeps a case moving instead of drifting between open-ended settings.
The rule also limits continuances. A party can still ask for one, but the court should grant it only for good cause, and only when the delay fits the child’s health, safety, and best interests. Whoever asks for the continuance, and why, goes into the record — so a pattern of stalling becomes visible to the judge.
Once a judge takes a custody matter under advisement, the clock keeps running: a decision must come within 60 days of the trial or hearing. Appeals from custody orders follow the standard civil appeal rules, but on an expedited track under Rules 311(a) and 315(i).
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does a custody case have to move under Rule 901?
The rule requires expedited scheduling and strict compliance with statutory and rule deadlines, though it doesn’t set one fixed timeline for every case — other rules, like Rule 922’s 18-month limit, add specific deadlines.
Can I get a continuance in my custody case?
Only for good cause, and only if the delay is consistent with your child’s health, safety, and best interests. The court documents who asked and why.
How long can a judge take to decide my case after trial?
No more than 60 days after the trial or hearing ends, once the matter is taken under advisement.
Do I have to appear in person for custody hearings?
Not always. The court sets each hearing and states whether parties appear in person or remotely, including by phone or video.
How does an appeal from a custody order work?
It follows the regular civil appeal rules, but on an expedited schedule under Rules 311(a) and 315(i).
Committee Comments
(Revised March 8, 2016)
Special Supreme Court Committee on Child Custody Issues Rule 901 includes procedures that are designed and proven to expedite child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings. Paragraph (a) requires strict compliance with statutory and rule based deadlines for child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings. Paragraphs (b) and (c) concerning the setting of hearings and limitations on continuances should help to significantly reduce delays in child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings. Paragraph (d) requires timely disposition of cases taken under advisement by the trial court.
Amendment History
Adopted February 10, 2006, effective July 1, 2006; amended February 26, 2010, effective immediately; amended Mar. 8, 2016, eff. immediately; amended Apr. 3, 2018, eff. July 1, 2018; amended Sept. 29, 2021, eff. Oct. 1, 2021.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:custody case delays Illinoishow long does a custody case takecontinuance in child custody caseexpedited custody hearing ruleappealing a custody order deadlinejudge ruling deadline custody case