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What do you need to include in a parenting plan?

On Behalf of | Aug 8, 2022 | Child Custody & Visitation

Parents who are divorcing have to think about what’s best for their children. Ideally, anyone in this situation will be able to work with the other parent to come up with the terms for a parenting plan. This outlines all the decisions that are made about rearing the children

There are a few things that should be included in all parenting plans. Having these in place can help you tremendously after the divorce. The ultimate goal is to provide the stability your child needs to thrive. 

Key areas to include in the parenting plan

As you look through these components, remember that everything in a parenting plan can be tailored to meet your child’s needs. Be realistic about what will work in your situation:

  • Parenting time arrangements
  • Primary residence for the child
  • Holiday parenting schedule
  • Decision-making powers for education, religion, health care and other important areas
  • Contact with extended family members
  • Rules for communication with the children and parents
  • Dispute resolution tactics

There might be other components you need to include, such as how extracurricular activities will be handled. The more details you have in the plan, the less chance there is that there will be issues down the road. 

Anything you and your ex decide should be put into writing in the parenting plan. This ensures there isn’t any misunderstanding in the future. If questions do arise, you can refer to the parenting plan to know how to handle the situation. Working with someone who’s familiar with these cases is critical so you can find the best solutions for any challenges that come up in the custody arrangement.