The time it takes to get a divorce and resolve custody issues varies from case to case. However, if two parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan, it could take more than a year to come to an agreement. Once the couple has managed to find a custody plan that they can agree on, both parties are usually eager to present their plan to the court. Unfortunately, some overlook key details that lead to both parties returning to court to modify the agreement. Taking the time to carefully review your agreement for possible oversights before it becomes court ordered may help you avoid future headaches.
Travel Costs
If you and the other parent live a significant distance away from each other, who is going to pay for the travel expenses? The cost of airfare is dropping, but that does not mean that the expense will not become an issue. Include in your agreement who is responsible for paying for the child to travel to and from the home of the non-custodial parent. If you and your former spouse intend to split the costs, put that in writing. Also, if the custodial parent agrees to reduce child support payments to give the other parent a “travel allowance,” make sure that fact is documented as well. When it comes to anything related to finances, never make assumptions.
Medical Insurance
In recent years, having medical insurance has become necessary for many Americans, with stiff tax penalties in place if proper coverage is not maintained. This change has made getting medical insurance for children more important than ever. When creating a custody agreement, do not forget to include which parent is responsible for maintaining the child’s medical coverage and how uninsured medical expenses will be divided. Medical coverage is often mentioned in the child support agreement and the cost of the insurance premium might be taken into consideration when child support is being calculated.
Visitation Drop Off and Pick Up Person
The safety of children is of the utmost importance to both the parents and the court. One way to keep your children safe is to make sure visitation drop offs and pick-ups are conducted in a safe, consistent manner that does not place the child at risk. Specifying the location of parenting time transitions (a home, work place, school, etc.) is recommended, as is specifying the adult allowed to pick up or drop off the child. Allowing only the parents or certain family members to be involved in visitation transitions keeps things consistent for the child and ensures that he or she never leaves home or school with a stranger.
Get More Advice
Talking to a qualified child custody and visitation attorney is the best way to make sure the agreement you come to with your former spouse is best for your situation. The attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum are available to review your child custody agreement draft and offer legal advice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our Atlanta metro area locations so that we can begin providing you with the legal representation you deserve.
