If you are navigating a divorce and children are involved, you will likely be required to create a parenting plan. You will likely be told that it is a good idea to create a parenting plan that contains all of the provisions that you will want to follow after your divorce is finalized, but it can be challenging to know whether you have considered all possible issues. If you fail to create an adequate parenting plan, courts will be required to settle issues that crop up for you.
Despite the great degree of freedom found in most parenting plans, many parents are given a substantial amount of freedom in deciding exactly what to include these agreements. The following will discuss a few things that you should consider when creating a parenting plan with your soon-to-be former spouse.
Spiritual Beliefs of the Child
If spouses practice different religions, an unexpected and substantial argument can arise concerning how the child is raised. It is best for you and your former spouse to make decisions about a child’s religious upbringing together. If a court is required to intervene, however, they will often make decisions about a child’s religious upbringing based on the parent’s prior conduct.
Medical Care of the Child
Parents want the best for their children, but many fail to address medical care as parts of a parenting plan. You and your former spouse will still be responsible for the child’s healthcare after the divorce. As a result, it is critical to determine how medical decisions will be made as well as what the advantages and disadvantages are to each possible course of action.
Rules the Child Must Follow
Children can have a difficult time following rules if they are unique to the parent with whom they are currently living. Many divorced parents come up with rules for the child, but fail to make sure that there is conformity between households. Instead, it is a much better to arrange in advance what rules the child should be required to follow at both households.
How Parents Communicate With the Child
It is likely that your parenting plan will involve co-parenting, which is why it is critical to make sure that the subject of communication with the child when the child is with the other parent is properly addressed. You and your former spouse should create a set of rules regarding not just how but also how often the child will communicate with both spouses during parenting time. Doing this now can avoid serious disagreements down the road.
Speak with a Skilled Divorce Attorney
Weathering the various issues that can arise with a divorce is not easy, particularly if children are involved. At Vayman & Teitelbaum, PC, we understand the importance of having everyone agree about the terms of a divorce as well as what is included in a parenting plan. Contact our law office today to schedule a case evaluation and to obtain assistance in creating a parenting plan.