Whether the court mandates a parenting plan or the parents come to an agreement on their own, there are key facts to remember. These include:
- A parenting schedule
- Any flexibility to change as needed
- How decisions will be made on the child’s behalf
- Who will oversee the child’s medical care and education
- The details of custody exchanges, living arrangements, and conflict resolution
While it might seem simple to decide when the child will be with which parent, confusion and disputes are common. It is generally wise to have a consistent plan in place. For example, the child might spend the week with one parent when they go to school and the weekends with the other parent.
When the child is off from school or it is a special occasion, the parents are well-advised to know how to share the child. For example, a parent might want to take a vacation with the child over the summer. If the other parent was supposed to have possession, they could be flexible and trade days. When that is untenable, they can try to find another solution or have the court decide.
The child’s well-being is paramount and that will involve them getting medical care, going to school, having proper nutrition, and being suitably attired. Most parents will agree that the parent who has possession at the time will make those decisions, but it can vary.
Child custody and parenting time is an essential aspect of a family law case
When deciding on child custody and parenting plans, the key is that the parents consider the child’s needs first and do not allow personal issues or lingering negative feelings from how the marriage enter the equation. When there are disagreements, it is important to understand the available options and to have advice with finding a positive solution that will limit conflict, ensure the parents have sufficient time with the child, and serve the child’s best interests.