Raising a child can be a challenge, and raising a child when you and the other parent are no longer together can be even harder. This is where a parenting plan comes into play and can be extremely helpful.
Oftentimes, when parents separate or get divorced, the courts will require them to create a parenting plan. This plan details all the necessary and possible information that both parents will need to know as well as depict their role in each category. This plan will prove that both parents have a thorough understanding of what is expected, and it will be legally binding by the courts.
So what is included in a parenting plan?
A parenting plan can include a wide array of topics, and while the information is up to you and your ex, it should include a few staples.
One important item to include is parenting time, both with the parent who has physical custody and the parent who doesn’t. This can be as general as every other weekend to setting specific dates and times for visitation, as well as where and when the child will be exchanged from one parent to the other.
The decision-making responsibilities should also be included in the parenting plan. If one parent has sole legal custody, then he or she will be the decision maker. If both parents have joint legal custody, then both parents will have to agree on decisions for the child.
If one parent is paying child support, this should also be included in the parenting plan. The amount of monthly child support as well as the due date should be included.
Your parenting plan should also include information about your child’s expenses. For example, is one parent going to be responsible for providing health insurance or paying for extracurricular activities, or is this something that you will split in half?
Your parenting plan should also include how you plan to discipline your child so that both parents are on the same page. For example, if a child is in trouble at one parent’s home and is “grounded”, should that “grounding” carry over to the other parent’s house.
If one or both parents work, the parenting plan needs to revolve around both parent schedules. If both parents cooperate to take the child when the other parent is working, this can eliminate the money spend on day care and baby sitters.
Parental communication is another area that should be included. For example, determine how you and your ex will communicate, whether through phone calls, text messages, emails, or in person. You should also make it a point to share all relevant information with one another, whether your child’s report cards, incidences at school, etc.
When should a parenting plan be created?
A parenting plan should be created as soon after the separation as possible. This will ensure that both parents have an equal say in the parenting plan and that it can be agreed upon by a judge before too much time has passed and one parent feels neglected.
Can a parenting plan be changed?
Situations are going to change over time, so parenting plans can be adjusted. However, adjusting the plan will require you and your ex to make all of these decisions again and have them agreed to by a judge. As long as both parents are in agreement, a court hearing will not be necessary to make changes.
Do you have a parenting plan in place?
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