What Is a California Parenting Plan?
An Orange County parenting plan attorney explains
Simply stated, a parenting plan in California is a custody and visitation agreement. It dictates the schedule for time spent between a child and each parent. It also articulates how the child’s parents will make decisions about that child’s welfare, health, and education.
A written plan gives both parents a document to review so each understands obligations. It is intended to produce fewer conflicts and misunderstandings.
When both parents sign the parenting plan and it is also signed by the judge and filed with the court, it becomes a court order. The court makes decisions about child custody and visitation with the best interests of the child first and foremost.
Considerations in developing the parenting plan
As most family law attorneys in Orange County can tell you, creating a parenting plan that works for both parties may not be an easy process. You may need legal or mediation assistance to come to an agreement. When you put the plan together, you should consider your child’s needs for the following:
- Love, protection, and guidance
- Healthy nutrition and good medical care
- Rest
You should also bear in mind that your plan should treat each child as an individual, because—depending on age, personality, maturity, and other factors—each child’s needs may differ. Consistency is key, because the change that comes with divorce can be difficult and even traumatic for children. Detail is also necessary to alleviate the possibility of future misunderstandings. You may want to include calendars. The result should be a plan that gives your child the security and routine he or she needs.
No one is expected to develop a plan without guidance. Our divorce attorneys in Orange County can step you through the process so you fully understand the task and the decisions ahead of you.
The parenting plan should communicate custody definitions
A parenting plan should discuss physical custody, that is, where the child will live and how the child spends his or her time. Factors to keep in mind include:
- Physical transportation between one parent and the other
- Holiday time, summer vacations, and other special days
- Which parent will take charge of which activity (e.g., homework, music, sports)
The plan should also address legal custody, that is, which parent makes important decisions about the child which decisions require an agreement between both parents. These decisions could include:
- Education
- Daycare
- Religious training and observance
- Medical and dental care
- Emergency care
Your divorce law firm in Orange County can explain the nuances of physical and legal custody so you are clear about the differences and the decisions you must make. While going through a divorce, it is often difficult to think about the long-term consequences. An experienced family law attorney helps you navigate the process.
Co-parenting during a child’s illness
It’s helpful to think of your ex-spouse as a business partner when it comes to parenting. Diplomacy goes a long way. If a child falls ill, even if he or she just has a cold, it’s important to learn the child’s feelings. He or she may not want to move from the custodial home. On the other hand, he or she may want to change location. If the noncustodial parent misses time because of the child’s illness, the custodial parent may want to make allowances. Therefore, it’s a good idea to include in the parenting plan contingencies for illness.
Talk to an Orange County parenting plan lawyer
An experienced advocate in family law has the expertise to foresee the challenges that lie ahead of you when it comes to parenting plans. Take advantage of experience and contact us online or call us at (949) 241-5751.