Overview of Parenting Plans

When a couple files for a divorce and there are children involved, it is of utmost importance that they develop a parenting plan. The couple may choose to develop their own parenting plan or they may opt to hire an attorney to do the job. Constructing a parenting plan can be a heart-wrenching and unwelcome task. In the end, unless the court decides on granting joint custody, one parent will receive full custody rights and the other parent is granted visitation rights.

It is important for the parents to realize that there is not a cookie cutter best option for developing a parenting plan, just as plans may vary based on how many children are involved. A plan may or may not be successful depending on the divorcees, the children and other extra circumstances. It may be in both the parents' and the children's best interests to make a living agreement instead of a permanent plan, since circumstances will most likely change as the children get older. While it may work just fine to have the children stay with one parent one week and the other parent the next week, this arrangement may be less suitable as the children grown up.

In coming up with a parenting plan, the couple must recognize that they are dealing with long-term relationships with their children. If they want to nurture those relationships and keep the communication open for years to come, it would be in their best interest to take time and care in finalizing their parenting plan. The children are most likely going to be confused and upset enough without the added strain of feeling like they are a burden to their parents. That is why the parents should take time to consider the ramifications of their parenting plan.

Find a family law attorney who can help you determine a parenting plan.