Craft A Parenting Plan That Works For You

The spirit of Kentucky’s divorce laws is changing. For many years, divorcing couples faced the question of which parent would get “custody” of their children. In many cases, one parent got primary custody while the other had to settle for weekends and occasional holidays.

Today, Kentucky approaches parenting very differently. Instead of “child custody,” the law directs parents to draft a “parenting plan.” The point of this change is to highlight the value that children receive from spending time with both parents. Practically speaking, in many families children will still spend more time with one parent than the other, but the key point to keep in mind is that every family has the right to design a unique plan that works for them.

The divorce attorneys at Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, P.L.L.C., can help you craft a parenting plan that meets your needs, respects the wishes of the other parent and — most importantly — provides an environment in which your child or children can thrive.

What To Include In Your Parenting Plan

A parenting plan can specify as many or as few details as the parents wish. Decisions to be made include:

• Parenting schedules: On what schedule will the child see each parent? (This would have been called “child custody” and “visitation rights” in the past.)
• Child support: Will one parent supply financial assistance to the other for the purpose of providing for their children’s needs? This often comes up when parents have different income levels, or child-rearing responsibilities.
• Medical decisions: Does either parent object to any particular medical procedure? Are both parents authorized to make emergency decisions?
• Religion: Will your children be raised according to a particular faith?

The more details you agree on in your parenting plan, the less conflict you can expect down the road.

Tell Us About Your Case

The lawyers at Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, P.L.L.C., provide a wide array of legal services to clients in Frankfort and throughout Kentucky.

To see how our law firm can help you, call us at 502-219-2916 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.