How Can I Create a Parenting Plan that Works?

When going through a divorce, you will have to resolve many issues with your spouse. If you and your spouse have children together, one of the biggest issues will involve child custody. In many cases, it is best to agree on a parenting plan and keep the issue out of court, which is expensive and time-consuming. To ensure that you and your spouse resolve the issue fairly quickly and easily, follow the tips below to create a parenting plan that works.

Create a Schedule that is Specific

If you and your spouse are still fairly amicable towards each other, you may not feel the need to have a specific schedule in place. You may be willing to drop the children off with your spouse at a moment’s notice, or have your spouse drop the kids off with little warning. While keeping things somewhat friendly is important, you still need to have a very clear and specific plan in place. You and your spouse can deviate from the plan if your needs change, but you will still have that specific plan to fall back on.

Include a Move Provision

You or your spouse may live fairly close to each other but that also may not always be the case. You or your spouse may move out of the city, or even out of the state, to be closer to family or for a job opportunity. It is important to understand that this may happen and to be prepared for it by including a move provision in your parenting plan. This provision should state that the person making the move must talk about it with the other parent, and that reasonable visitation will still be provided.

Include a Right of First Refusal

You or your spouse may not be able to watch your children during the allotted time. While it is fine if you are called out suddenly to work or have an emergency, you should include a right of refusal in the parenting plan. A right of first refusal ensures that the other parent is the first one contacted and asked if they can care for the child. If they cannot, then the parent that cannot watch the child during their allotted time can find someone else to care for the child.

Include Dispute Resolution Methods

Again, it is always best to try and avoid litigation because it is costly and takes a lot of time to resolve a dispute. Your parenting plan should include a provision stating that disputes will be resolved through mediation or collaborative law so any issue is resolved quickly and easily.

Work with a Florida Child Custody Lawyer

Even if your divorce is an amicable one, it is still important to work with a Tampa child custody lawyer. At All Family Law Group, P.A. our skilled attorneys can help you draft a parenting plan and we will ensure it is fair and enforceable by the courts. Call us today at 813-672-1900 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.  Se habla Español.