What to Include in a Parenting Plan

The health and happiness of a couple’s children are important factors that may influence the post-divorce lives of their parents. When Washington parents choose to end their marriages, they will enter into a parenting plan that establishes where their kids will live, when they will visit with their other parent and other important details about their care. Parenting plans can be created by the parents who will live according to their terms, but when parents cannot agree on how to divide their time with their kids the courts may intervene and set rules for them.

Of the utmost importance in creating a parenting plan is determining where the children will live. For some families it is possible for the kids to spend equal time in the homes of their parents. However, this arrangement may not work for everyone. It is often the case that children will live with the parent who is more equipped to provide for their daily needs and to have other time with their other parent when it is feasible.

Time with the non-primary parent can be established based on the needs and wants of the family. Overnight stays, parts of days and other schedules may be used to ensure that kids have an opportunity to remain connected to both of the parents. Regardless of where a child lives, parents should determine in their parenting plans how they will work together to make decisions about their kids and how they will resolve any conflicts that may arise between them.

Parenting after a divorce can be complicated but it does not have to be impossible. Legal support from dedicated family law attorneys can help parents work out their differences and achieve suitable plans for their futures. Individual help should be sought from readers’ preferred legal counselors as this post does not provide any legal advice.