How Your Parenting Plan Can Keep You in Embroiled in Court Battles
When going through a custody dispute, whether from divorce or custody coming to an agreement in custody &/or visitation can be taxing. A parenting plan, custody order or parenting agreement are all a part of custody matters. It is a legal and binding document that addresses how each parent will split time, their rights & responsibilities when the child(ren) is with them and, sometimes, the consequences for breach. Although most states have a standard parenting plan it recommends, parents often have their own idea of how they’d like to coparent and split time. Parenting plans are necessary regardless of custody. However, the details of the various relevant topics vary according to the type of custody each party has. Sole custody situations have a slight variation in how parenting plans are approached.
Types of Parenting Plans
Step Up Plan-
This plan is typically used in cases where the child is very young and the non-custodial parent has had little to no contact with the child. This plan aims to gradually increase time or access between the NCP and the child. The graduated time schedule is often based on the developmental stages of the child while allowing ample time for a bond to develop between them.
Joint Custody Plan-
This parenting plan gives both parents equal time and/or equal decision-making abilities. This applies to joint legal custody, shared or 50/50 custody arrangements.
Sole Custody with Visitation Plan-
This plan usually only addresses a time schedule for access/visitation for the NCP parent. When one parent has sole custody, they have full authority to make all decisions regarding the child’s day to day.
Long Distance Plan-
When the parents live a distance apart, this plan gives extra attention to things like the cost of travel, the means of transportation, etc. The access or visitation time is usually different than other more conventional plans. (Read here about long distance parenting.)
Common Provisions in Parenting Plans
Most parenting plans cover some basis topics that apply to all families no matter what the dynamics (except for sole custody.) These include:
- Weekly schedule
- Holidays & Special Dates
- Travel & Vacations
- Schedule Variations
- Decision Making
- Expenses
- Communication
- Co-Parent Communication
- Discipline
- Healthcare & Specialists
- Education/Daycare
- Extracurricular
- Transportation
- Relocation
- Disagreements
