Divorce is never easy no matter the circumstances. Things become even more complicated when the divorce in question involves children.
A parenting plan outlines how both parents will care and provide for the children after the divorce or separation. A good parenting plan should focus on the children’s best interests.
Here are three key provisions you need to keep in mind when drafting a parenting plan:
Parental schedules and responsibilities
It is important that you clearly specify how the child will spend time with each parent. This must include visitation times and frequency as well as the drop-off and pick-up points.
It is equally crucial that the plan captures each parent’s duties and responsibilities towards the children. This includes the decision-making process as well. For instance, how will the parents make decisions regarding the child’s education and healthcare issues?
Child support and other expenses
Both parents have a duty to provide for their children. Alongside child support, a good parenting plan should also outline how other expenses for the children will be addressed.
These include things like the child’s extracurricular activities, birthday gifts or entertainment needs. How will parents share the responsibility of non-mandatory expenses that are not captured in the child support decree?
Holidays and special events
The parenting plan should outline how both parents are going to share time with the kids during school breaks, holidays, vacations and other important family occasions.
You may want to address non-major holidays, including each parent’s birthday and school vacations.
When you’re a divorcing parent, it is crucial that you come up with a well-thought-out parenting plan. Find out how you and your co-parent can work out an effective parenting plan that addresses your children’s best interests and is workable for your family.