Step 1: Prioritize the Best Interests of Your Children
When marriages end in divorce, parents and their children will need to make adjustments before moving forward. Before drafting a parenting plan, keeping your children’s best interests at the forefront is essential. Parents should discuss and prioritize their children’s physical, emotional, and educational well-being, especially if there is conflict between the parents. It’s essential to create a parenting plan that provides stability, consistency, and open lines of communication between co-parents.Step 2: Consider the Needs and Schedules of Both Parents
Understanding each parent’s availability, work schedules, and personal commitments is crucial when designing a workable parenting plan. While common custody agreements may include one parent having custody every other weekend and during certain summer months, flexibility can be vital in addressing changing circumstances. Parents should take into consideration the unique needs of each parent and the children. Plus, make sure to address holidays, birthdays, school vacations, and any important family events.
Step 3: Communication and Conflict Resolution
An effective parenting plan created by your family lawyer should include provisions for communication and conflict resolution between co-parents. A parenting plan can help determine the best method for ongoing communication, such as email, text messages, or a dedicated co-parenting app. Having a communication plan in place can help ease tensions when unexpected circumstances arise. Additionally, establishing a process for resolving conflicts can help ensure a smoother co-parenting experience.
Step 4: Be Specific and Detailed
To create a legally binding parenting plan with the help of a family law firm, it’s important to be specific and detailed about parenting responsibilities and arrangements. For example, a notification process should be in place in the event of a child needing medical care or becoming sick during visitation spent with a co-parent. It should also outline custody and visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and information-sharing methods about the children’s education and extracurricular activities.
Step 5: Seek Legal Advice
Consulting with a family lawyer is highly recommended when creating a parenting plan. An experienced attorney can provide guidance, ensure compliance with local laws, and help create a plan that addresses your unique needs and circumstances. While there are many attorneys practicing around Atlanta, not all of them specialize in family law. It’s important to find an expert family attorney to ensure that your parenting plan is legally binding and beneficial to every party involved.
Step 6: Review and Revise Regularly
A parenting plan is not a one-time document. As your children grow and circumstances change, it’s important to review and revise the plan accordingly with a family law firm. Parents should regularly reassess the plan to ensure it remains up-to-date and meets the evolving needs of your family. Some examples of how circumstances can change are if an ex-spouse gets married, relocates to another state, becomes ill, becomes incarcerated, or even passes away. A strong, updated parental plan can help guide you and your family through these difficult times with a clear understanding of who is responsible for what and how to proceed.
Need to Schedule an Appointment with a Reputable Family Attorney? Contact Fennell, Briasco & Associates Today!
Creating a legally binding parenting plan is crucial for successful co-parenting. By prioritizing your children’s best interests, considering each parent’s needs, using our parenting plan checklist, and seeking legal advice from a family lawyer, you can establish a plan that provides stability and ensures the well-being of your children. Remember to communicate openly, be specific in your arrangements, and review the plan regularly for optimal effectiveness. With a solid parenting plan in place created with the help of an expert family law firm, you can navigate the co-parenting journey with confidence and peace of mind. Contact Fennell, Briasco & Associates for a free consultation today!
