New parents don’t start off developing a formal parenting plan when their child is born. They will often talk about their dreams and hopes for their children over the years. They will work together to give that child every opportunity to reach those goals or dreams. But what happens when parents are no longer living or working together? Many parents that separate may even develop different goals and dreams for their children creating conflict. In these circumstances, a parenting plan can be helpful.
Parenting plans are often necessary when the parents of a child are not working together or living together. They are usually included in the divorce process to makes sure that the welfare of the child is protected. In many places, a parenting plan is required by the courts. The parenting plan can include many different areas. Typical things that are included in the parenting plan include visitation times and lengths, schools that are attended and who is responsible for paying for them, child support, physical and mental health care, contact with other relatives and family and any other area that requires a mutual decision by both parents. One of the most important things to include in a parenting plan is a method of resolving disputes. Including areas such as mediation and arbitration and how disputes can be settled for the good of the child will allow parents to know exactly what will happen when they cannot agree on how to care for the child.
The parenting plan is something that should cover all of the possible areas that involve the care of the child. It is essential that everything is stated and understood by all parties involved.
People often have the following types of questions: