| Parenting plans are intended as guides for the parents | | | | issues out in the open and resolved ahead of time. |
| to follow after they get divorced but they must be | | | | A parenting plan can guide parents as it is intended to |
| based upon the best interests of the child. A parenting | | | | do but it does not replace common sense. There may |
| plan is basically a document that spells out schedules, | | | | be occasions when the parents will have to deviate |
| the responsibilities of each parent and everything else | | | | from the plan to meet the needs of the child at a |
| related to the upbringing of the child. | | | | certain point in time. That is fine if both parents agree |
| The plan should not be ambiguous or open to | | | | but that is not always the case. |
| interpretation. It must be crystal clear. It's a good idea | | | | If there is animosity between the parents, then a |
| to have legal assistance to draw it up or at least | | | | parenting plan will probably not work out even if they |
| review it after you've written it. Your rights as a parent | | | | both initially agreed to its contents. It's still wise to work |
| must be protected at all times. It will be impossible for | | | | out a plan just to specify everything that needs to be |
| you to see into the future and predict every event that | | | | taken care of and who is responsible for what. Just |
| may occur. A lawyer with experience will be able to | | | | recognize that it is not carved in stone and the other |
| include things you probably wouldn't even have thought | | | | parent may back out of promises made or fail to live |
| of. | | | | up to their responsibilities. |
| Some things to cover in the plan are holidays and | | | | Parenting plans do not solve everything. Some people |
| where and with whom the child will spend them, | | | | just don't honor their agreements and some may try to |
| religious matters, education matters, discipline, where | | | | use it as leverage against the other parent. Don't let |
| the child will live and, of course, financial responsibilities. | | | | the other parent bully you into anything. |
| The parenting plan will be different for each family as | | | | It is good to specify each parent's responsibilities and |
| every child has different needs and every situation is | | | | schedules in writing. Just make sure you are protecting |
| different. | | | | your rights and your kids. Any parenting plans you |
| Putting parenting issues in writing can help prevent | | | | compose should be based around the well-being of |
| future problems and bad feelings. Everyone involved | | | | the children. |
| could be spared a lot of stress and trauma by getting | | | | |