Co-parenting poses many challenges, especially for parents engaged in a high-conflict divorce.
Florida seeks to protect children’s interests by encouraging continuing contact and shared responsibilities between parents. Requiring a parenting plan helps ensure this. The best way to achieve this is through a plan agreed to by both parents and approved by the court when time-sharing is not disputed.
The Florida Supreme Court has parenting plan guides that help co-parents deal with various custody issues. However, the guides only cover minimum provisions.
Co-parents can create plans to address their family’s needs and possible disputes. Consider these provisions in your parenting plan to reduce conflict.
Right of first refusal
A parenting plan helps navigate time-sharing. You might consider the time spent with a babysitter time lost with your child. The right of first refusal can address that issue.
The provision guarantees that when the other parent needs someone to watch over your child, they must ask you first. The agreement covers how and when you must be notified.
Tax considerations and parenting plan changes
A parenting plan can clarify matters that also fall under other legal jurisdictions or require additional legal assistance. You can add a provision stipulating which parent can claim their child as a dependent and who can take advantage of the child tax credit.
Tax laws for parents with equal shared custody can be complicated. The custodial parent can file for the tax exemption and benefits. They are usually determined by who has physical custody of the child for more nights per year. However, in the parenting plan, co-parents can agree to take turns to avoid confusion.
Another example is a provision that allows for mutually agreed-upon changes to the plan without requiring court approval, providing they are addressed in the agreement.
Communication and social media use
Communication methods and technologies are key stipulations in a parenting plan. You can detail communication expectations regarding responsiveness, off-limit topics and even non-tolerance for badmouthing.
When parents have conflicting opinions on their child’s social media visibility and use, they can also set boundaries for access to and use of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other platforms.
A reasonable and reliable parenting plan reduces conflict between co-parents. It informs their decision-making, so they won’t need the court to force their co-parent to comply with their obligations.
You can learn much by talking to other divorced or separated parents or by studying parenting platforms. However, experienced child custody lawyers can ensure that your plan meets legal standards and protects your child’s best interests.