Parenting Plans 101
In keeping with our theme this month of children in divorce, today’s article is about parenting agreements and practical steps to help you create a workable parenting plan with your child’s other parent. At the Provo divorce law firm of Howard, Lewis & Petersen we have helped many clients come to amicable parenting arrangements that benefit the child and work for both parents.
Firstly, what is a parenting agreement? It is a written agreement that defines how you and your ex-spouse will share time and decision-making when it comes to your kids. A parenting agreement can oftentimes help post-divorce relationships because it sets clear expectations, which in turn can reduce conflict. Also, because parenting plans are usually created cooperatively with you and your ex-spouse, it means you do not have to let the courts or an evaluator make your decisions for you about raising your children. However, you can take your parenting agreement to a judge and have it made into a court order so that it is enforceable.
In your agreement you should address issues such as:
- Custody and living arrangements
- Visitation
- Financial issues (child support and expenses)
- Education
- Medical care
- Religious upbringing, and
- Holidays
When creating the parent plan it helps to have certain documentation before you begin, this might include:
- Court documents you have filed or received (e.g. summons, petition, affidavit, etc.)
- Correspondence from professionals regarding you divorce, paternity, child support, custody, or visitation
- Court orders regarding your legal separation, divorce, paternity declaration, or award of custody
- Previously mediated, arbitrated, or negotiated agreements between you and the other parent
- Documents dissolving your religions marriage or describing your religious marriage status
- Reports, letters, or evaluations from school officials, counselors, therapists, or others who have an insight on your children
Once you have determined that you can work with the child’s other parent to create a cooperative agreement for parenting the child in a manner best suited to the child, then call the Utah attorneys of Howard, Lewis & Petersen. We can help you and your ex-spouse work through any issues and set down a successful parenting agreement. Click here or call us today at (801) 373-6345. Posted by: on: Oct 20, 2014 @ 11:18
