Making sure your parenting plan will stand the test of time

 Posted on October 25, 2019 in Divorce

One of the most difficult aspects of divorce is figuring out how to make sure your children do not suffer unnecessarily. Kids often struggle when their parents make the decision to end their marriage, and like other Texas parents, you want to provide them with as much stability and security as possible. You can do this with a strong parenting plan.

You have the right to have a say over what your custody plan looks like. This issue does not have to go to court, but instead, you and the other parent can work together to craft a parenting plan that will work for your unique family. This is not always easy, and you will find it helpful to keep your eyes on what is most important – the long-term best interests of your children.

The foundation of a good parenting plan

To make any parenting plan work well, you and your spouse will have to commit to keeping the needs and interests of your children as the priority. This may be complicated because you are also going through the emotionally difficult process of ending a marriage, but you will find it helpful to keep the focus in the right place.

A good parenting plan should be thorough and complete. This will ensure that you do not experience any unnecessary complications or confusion after the divorce is final. This means that your plan should include terms that pertain to anything related to your children, including the following:

• How you and your spouse will share parenting time in a way that is meaningful for the children
• Drop-off and pick-up procedures that are sustainable and practical
• How you and the other parent will make important decisions on behalf of your child
• How and when extended family members will have access to your child

These are only a few things you need to include in your parenting plan. Every family is unique, and you may want to include terms that are meaningful and important for your kids' unique needs and your specific objectives as a parent.

Protecting your parental rights

When you are drafting a parenting plan, you may feel overwhelmed by your options. One way you can fully understand what you are agreeing to and protect your parental rights is to seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney. Before agreeing to terms or making any important decisions, you may want to seek an evaluation of your case.