You will work closely with your divorce attorney to cover every aspect of your life, from the simple objects that you have in your home to the complex financial assets that you own. Of course, as any parent who has gone through a divorce knows, the custody agreement is a very crucial part of the divorce proceedings, and it can be difficult to make a parenting plan that works for both parents as well as the children.
These 5 tips are designed to help you create a better parenting plan, one that keeps in mind the best interests of all parties involved.
1. Compromise when creating a schedule.
Your parenting plan needs to include the details regarding the living arrangements of your children, and it’s important that this schedule puts the needs of the children first. In addition, both parents must be willing to compromise and create a realistic as well as enforceable schedule. In addition to the normal weekly schedule, the parenting plan also should include information about holiday celebrations, birthdays, and vacations.
2. Don’t forget about the logistical details.
Items such as the number of car seats that are needed for each vehicle and the dietary restrictions of each child are often easy to overlook when you are creating a custody agreement. However, these are important details that both parents must agree to prior to moving forward.
3. Ask your children for input.
Depending on the age of your children, you should seek their input as you create the custody agreement.
4. Add information about parenting preferences and discipline techniques.
Together, both parents should determine the amount of screen time that their children should have, the age in which they should receive a cell phone, and the ways in which they will have Internet access. The parenting plan also should identify the discipline techniques that will be used, the entertainment that children have access to and the amount of third-party visitation that is allowed.
5. Outline the expectations that you have of each other as far as cultural traditions and religious observances.
Parents need to agree on these important topics and identify their plan within their custody agreement. This avoids future confrontation, and provides children with a clear guideline of what they can expect.
When it comes to a parenting plan, there is no such thing as too many details. The more that you and your ex spouse discuss these details with your lawyer, like a divorce attorney Tampa FL trusts, during the proceedings, the easier it will be for you and your children after the divorce is finalized. An effective parenting plan allows everyone to be on the same page, and there’s no grey area when it comes to daily life or milestone moments.
For more information on custody agreements and their role within the divorce proceedings, contact a divorce attorney today.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from The Mckinney Law Group for their insight into family law practice.