What is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a legal document that outlines the specific details of how parents will share responsibility for raising their children after a divorce or separation. The parenting plan is a comprehensive agreement that covers all aspects of parenting, including physical custody, visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and how disputes will be resolved.
In Florida, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody or visitation. The parenting plan must be approved by the court and must be in the best interests of the child.
The parenting plan may include:
A detailed schedule of when the child will be with each parent, including holidays and special occasions.
A plan for how the parents will make major decisions about the child's education, medical care, and other important matters.
A plan for how the parents will communicate with each other about the child's needs and progress.
Provisions for how disputes will be resolved, including mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
A plan for how the child will be transported between the parents' homes, and who will be responsible for transportation.
Additional provisions: Other provisions that may be included in a parenting plan include provisions related to financial support, extracurricular activities, and changes to the plan.
It is important to work with an experienced family law attorney to develop a parenting plan that is tailored to your family's unique needs and circumstances. A well-crafted parenting plan can help parents avoid conflicts and provide stability for their children.