Navigating through a divorce can be difficult for all parties involved. For divorcing parties who are also parents, creating a parenting plan is a critical part of the process.
If you are currently going through a divorce or are contemplating it, knowing about parenting plans may be beneficial. To make a proper parenting plan, it must contain a few key aspects.
Requirements
A parenting plan is a required aspect of the divorce process for parties with children. As such, the state regulates it and has several required aspects, including:
- Child custody
- Communication between parents
- Decision-making for the child
These are just a few of the required aspects. Because every relationship is different, parents have the option of adding additional stipulations to the agreement, as long as both parties agree to it.
Interests
Along with the plan complying with the law, it must contain terms that are in the children’s best interests. The court tends to go to lengths to protect children. Therefore, if a parenting plan seems to slant more to the needs or desires of either parent rather than the child, it could be possible for the court to make changes to the agreement.
Format it
As with any other legally binding agreement, both parties must agree to it and sign it of their own will. To ensure this, it is best to make it easy to understand and not include unnecessary legal terms. It may also be helpful to follow a simple format and divide the plan into sections, which can help it to flow.
A proper parenting plan is critical for maintaining balance and creating a new normal for children involved in a divorce. Before creating your plan, take some time to determine the best means for making a beneficial parenting plan in your situation.
