What Details Should You Include in Your Parenting Plan?
Divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster of change and uncertainty – and that’s just for the parents, who have made the conscious decision to separate. For children, though, the burden of divorce can be particularly distressing. They have no say in the matter and are often overwhelmed by the dramatic life changes.
According to the Child Development Institute, one-third of all families in the United States are headed by a single parent. That leaves a lot of children without the nurturing influence of both parents in their lives.
A 2000 study in the journal Pediatrics and Child Health showed that divorcing parents can help their children make the transition by behaving amicably with each other. One of the most effective ways to prevent conflict is to establish a comprehensive parenting plan.
If you have questions about creating a parenting plan or about other divorce matters, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. Mr. Raheb is a Naples child custody lawyer who will demystify Florida divorce laws and compassionately represent your interests.
Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about child custody laws in Florida.
5 Crucial Points to Include in Your Parenting Plan
If you and your spouse have children and you decide to divorce, Florida law requires that you develop a parenting plan. This is a written document that outlines the particulars of how each of you will fulfill your responsibilities as parents after the divorce.
Although every parenting plan is unique, it is important that yours includes the following five points:
- How each parent will share information;
- Schedule that reflects how much time your children will spend with each parent;
- Explanation of who will make decisions about your children’s health-care and other needs;
- Details of who will attend your children’s educational and extracurricular activities; and
- How you and your ex will address parenting issues.
3 Often-Overlooked Factors to Consider When Developing a Parenting Plan
There are several factors that you and your ex will have to consider when developing a parenting plan. These include:
- Any Special Needs of Your Children: If your child has special needs, your parenting plan should outline which parent will make appointments, and how the parents will share the expenses of caring for their child.
- Religion: How will you and your ex make decisions regarding the child’s religion?
- Culture: You and your ex should discuss your child’s cultural education, activities and events.
If you would like help with creating a parenting plan or addressing other child custody issues, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. Mr. Raheb will help you avoid mistakes during the divorce process that would compromise your personal or financial interests. Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a free consultation with a child custody lawyer in Naples.