How to Create a Parenting Plan During a Divorce
When you and your partner are in the midst of separating, you’ll have a lot of decisions to make. One of the hardest choices you’ll have to consider is how you’ll continue to co-parent your children. Find out what you need to know about parenting plans in this article.
When you and your partner choose to end your relationship, it’s important to understand that you’ll still need to come together and focus on the emotional and physical well-being of your children. One of the most important things you can do is to create a parenting plan. This type of plan helps you to understand exactly what your partner’s goals are when raising your children, as well as what you can expect as you continue to raise your children together. Even though you and your former spouse will no longer be romantically involved, a parenting plan enables you to carefully discuss how you’ll take care of your children together.
1. Think about holidays
It’s important to discuss parenting time when you create a parenting plan. Chances are you already understand how you’ll share custody of your children. Maybe the children will live with you for part of the week and with your partner for the rest of the week. Maybe you’ll get them every other weekend. No matter how often your children are with you, however, you might want to take them on holidays or vacations throughout the year. Your parenting plan can outline how long each parent may travel with the children, as well as which holidays they’ll spend with each parent.
2. Discuss medical care
There may be times when one or both of you needs to take your children to the doctor’s office. Decide who will make medical decisions for your children. Will you both make joint decisions? Will one person be responsible for medical care for the children? Who will be in charge of scheduling dental cleanings and health check-ups for the children? Make sure you agree on how you’ll handle this type of situation, as well as which parent will be responsible for the financial side of medical care.
3. Consider religion
If you and your partner are religious, you may want to see your child brought up in the same religion. Never assume that you’re on the same page when it comes to religion, though. Make sure you discuss this in your parenting plan. As you and your partner adjust to your new lives, your opinions about religion may change. Make sure you discuss whether your child will be raised in a certain religion and what that will look like for your family. For example, will your child attend youth group? Will they go to church camp? These are important questions you should bring up.
No matter how long you were married for and no matter how old your children might be, an attorney can help guide you as you create a parenting plan that works for you. Call today to schedule your consultation and discuss how a parenting plan can work for you.