In a Florida divorce, people with children need to remember how complicated the transition can be for the kids. Going from a two-parent home to a situation in which the child will live with one parent and have periodic visits with the other can be difficult. A key part of making it easier is having a workable parenting plan.
While many parents have lingering issues from the marriage and are on poor terms, some are able to put their differences aside for the child’s sake. In some cases, they are even friendly. In these instances, the parents might be able to create their own parenting plan. Knowing what the court will look for is critical when using this strategy.
What must a parenting plan cover?
If parents formulate a parenting plan, the court will need to see certain basics are in place to approve it. It must be detailed in showing how the parents are planning to share the responsibilities of raising the child. This includes daily needs and activities and extends to all other aspects of their life with the child.
They must include the time-sharing schedule. For example, the custodial parent could have the child during the school week with the non-custodial parent having the child from the evening Friday to the evening Sunday or bring the child to school on Monday. It can also say when the child will be with which parent for specific holidays and school breaks.
The plan needs to state clearly which parent will be responsible for providing health care. The court can order the parents to share that responsibility, but either parent can approve health care treatments for the child unless the order says otherwise.
Parents should understand the details of parenting plans
Provided it serves the child’s best interests, the court wants the child to have a relationship and continuing contact with both parents. The schedule can be a topic for dispute and in many instances, the court needs to step in and make its own order as to the schedule.
Still, it can be beneficial for everyone if the parents agree and submit a parenting plan to the court for approval. Regardless of the situation, it is useful to be aware of the law for child custody and parenting time and to act accordingly with the child’s needs at the forefront.