Divorce is an incredibly difficult emotional, legal, and financial matter to navigate. However, you’ll also find that matters may be exacerbated when you have children to consider. As such, one matter that you’ll need to familiarize yourself with is creating a parenting plan. If you’re unsure what this is or what information is typically included in the document, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with Morris County child custody lawyers to help you make the best decisions for your family.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a document established by the court that explains how a couple will share custody of a child. Generally, this includes how parents will split physical custody during the school year, as well as stipulations for the summer vacation months and holidays. As such, an arrangement can look like alternating each week with the parent on a Sunday-to-Sunday basis,
In addition to documenting how physical custody will be handled during a divorce, a parenting plan will also detail the legal custody rights of each parent. Essentially, this details the rights of each parent to make important decisions for the child, such as where they will go to school or what medical care they receive. If joint legal custody is granted, the parenting plan will detail how both parents will be responsible for making these decisions together.
What Is Typically Included in This Document?
Aside from elaborating on how physical and legal custody matters will be handled, a parenting plan can include a considerable amount of additional information related to how the parents will navigate their co-parenting relationship.
For example, one of the most important matters a parenting plan can cover is the communication between the child and non-custodial parents. While some families may believe that the two parties can communicate without restraints, other families may want to limit phone calls during this time to allow the custodial parent and child quality time together. As such, some families may limit phone calls with the non-custodial parent to 15 minutes per day, for example.
In addition, the parenting plan can include information related to the exchange of the child when it is time for them to spend time with their other parent. Typically, this means ensuring the child’s belongings, including clothing and schoolwork, are ready at the time agreed upon. You’ll also find that the parenting plan will detail how, when, and where the exchanges should take place.
Ensuring you have a comprehensive parenting plan is critical to reduce stress for you, your spouse, and your child. When expectations are clear and fair, it ensures that your attention can be focused on your child and fosters a calm and cooperative relationship with your ex to ensure that your child has the best opportunities.
At the Leslie Law Firm, LLC, we understand how important these matters are, which is why we are committed to helping you fight for the best possible outcome. When you are going through a divorce, our team can help you explore your legal options and take the necessary steps to create the best arrangement for you and your children. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
