PARENTING PLANS

When parents are contemplating a separation, it is imperative to create a Parenting Plan, which is a legal contract that defines each party’s rights and responsibilities with respect to financial support for the children, a mechanism for making major decisions about the children’s health, education and general welfare, as well as the time-sharing arrangement they will have on a regular weekly basis, as well as holidays and summer.

Developing a Parenting Plan

The first step in developing a parenting plan is to discuss with an experienced professional what the parents will say to the children about the separation, and hopefully develop a shared narrative that is age-appropriate. Next is to work together to acclimate the children to two separate homes, and possibly two different sets of rules in each house. The more that children can be shielded from sudden changes, and major disruptions to their lives, the better off they will be in the long run.

Each family has a different set of dynamics and the needs of the children can vary greatly, especially depending on their ages. Therefore, a significant amount of time and care needs to be given in devising a time-sharing schedule that will promote predictability, consistency and stability for everyone involved. Sometimes, the input of a mental health expert may be needed depending on the complexity of the situation or if the parents have extremely differing views.

Often, families need to consider a graduated schedule, which allows for a ramp-up period so the children can adjust to transition between two homes. Some families benefit from having one schedule during the school year and then a different, more liberal schedule for the summer months. Each family has their own traditions/holidays/special days that are important to them, and these need to be considered carefully and memorialized.

Establishing Communication in a Parenting Plan

Setting up a communication protocol for the parents is key to a successful co-parenting relationship going forward. If this has not gone smoothly in the past, then it’s important to spend some time problem-solving for the future so that we break past patterns that have not been productive.

These conversations can be difficult, especially if there is a lot of unresolved hurt from the past. But the focus needs to be on the future and what is best for the children. Parents that can put aside their own personal differences for the children’s sake, are in the best position for success going forward even though they are no longer a family under one roof.

How to Avoid Arguments with a Detailed Parenting Plan

The more forward-thinking and detailed a Parenting Plan is the less chance for arguments in the future. These agreements set clear expectations and safety provisions for potential challenges that bound to happen, especially when one parent remarries or someone feels the time-sharing schedule needs to be modified.

As children grow up, the family dynamics will continue to evolve, and it’s crucial to have an experienced family law attorney guide parents in transition to towards a thoughtful resolution that will be accepted by a family court. For further information and to schedule a consultation, call our office at 240-396-4373 or click here to contact our office.