When parents work together to create an acceptable parenting plan, the transition to separate households after divorce may be easier for both them and the children.
While the details are unique for every family, parents should address the following issues in their plans to ensure they support the children’s best interests.
1. Who makes the essential decisions?
Parents often have different opinions about education, religion, and medical care. After divorce, one parent should be responsible for making important decisions regarding these subjects. Since divorced parents are unlikely to always reach unanimous decisions in all aspects of child-rearing, appointing one parent to make those decisions prevents a stalemate in times of urgency.
2. What are the parenting time schedules?
Determining an acceptable parenting time schedule can be challenging because both parents often want as much free time with their children as possible. Take into consideration the following things when creating a parenting schedule:
- Sharing holidays, birthdays, and vacations
- Attending extracurricular activities
- Participating in the medical care of the children
Since both parents may want access to their children simultaneously, alternating holidays and special events provides both parents with equal opportunities with their children.
3. How can parents make adjustments as needed?
As children age and families change, modifications to the parenting plan might be necessary. Deciding at a time when both parents are in agreement about how to handle times of change may prevent unnecessary arguments.
By including these essential topics in a parenting plan, parents can remain consistent in caring for their children after divorce.
