Parents who are ending their marriages are finding it easier to agree upon the use of parenting plans in a Louisville divorce. The written parenting plan document outlines important issues regarding the children. This includes, but is not limited to the time each child will spend with each parent and how decisions affecting the child will be made. Also known as a custody and visitation agreement, a parenting plan is one of the most important documents in your divorce.
Once an agreement has been reached and the parties have signed it, the judge will review your parenting plan to insure it reflects the Court’s perspective on the “best interests of the child(ren).” The Parenting Plan becomes part of the orders issued at the end of the divorce.
When putting together parenting plans in a Louisville divorce you must take your children’s major needs into consideration, including their need for equal quality time with each parent, clothing and shelter, education, health care and a nutritious diet.
Parenting plans must be tailored to the individual because every child is unique. One thing children do have in common is a need for stability. Parents should ensure that the plan addresses the need for consistency in continuing the normal routines of each child’s life as much as possible during and after the divorce. The parenting plan should include specifics such as the allocation of time for homework, the management of important dates such as birthdays, holidays and summer vacations as well as extra-curricular and social activities.
The use of parenting plans in a Louisville divorce should be as specific as possible. However, there will be times when flexibility is necessary, such as when a child or parent is ill, if an event is rescheduled or when opportunities arise. Parents must consider what is best for their children even if it means occasionally missing out on some of their time with them.
Child custody and parenting rights can be stressful topics in any divorce. Even parents with the best of intentions can honestly disagree about what is in their kid’s best interest. This is why it is so important to seek the experienced and proven advice and counsel of the experienced divorce and family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd.
We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and contact us or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce and family law attorneys.
