Child custody matters can be tricky for parents to handle. Whether they agree on a custody arrangement or not, they will still need to work together to co-parent and raise their child. Courts recognize the importance of parents being a team and putting aside their own personal issues to take care of their children, so when parents find themselves in a custody battle, they are often encouraged to draft a parenting plan that will make co-parenting less stressful and a more positive experience for all parties involved.
What is a parenting plan?
There is much to be sorted out by both parents when it comes to child custody. It is almost too easy for parents to disagree about something, but like many difficulties that arise during a child custody battle, they could be avoided if there is a plan or set rules that parents must follow. Prior to appearing at their child custody hearing, parents are expected to have come up with what is known as a parenting plan. This plan basically outlines each parent's responsibility and how they will work together to properly care for the child and ensure they get the support they need.
What information should be included in a parenting plan?
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Information like what days the child will be with which parent, including holidays and breaks, arrangements for transportation and how the parent will communicate with their child when they are spending time with the other parent will all be outlined. These things are important to have figured out in advance because parents are able to avoid disagreements or arguments that could easily occur due to one parent or both feeling differently about various matters. For example, who will get their child on Christmas or who is responsible for picking them up or dropping them off at