The Benefits of a Parenting Plan in a Separation or Divorce
Avoiding court appearances and the entire litigation process is a priority in many divorce and separation cases. For those cases that involve children, if the parents can agree on a Parenting Plan, it might just help them stay out of court and save lots of money which can be later put towards their children’s education.
What is a Parenting Plan?
A Parenting Plan is a formal written agreement between separating or divorcing parents that outlines how parents will raise their children following separation or divorce. Parenting Plans get into much greater detail of every aspect of parenting.
How is a Parenting Plan Developed?
There is no one standard way to develop a Parenting Plan. Parents can choose to put together their own plan.
If parents aren’t able to work together well enough to write their own plan, they may hire professionals to help them work through differences and arrive at a final plan that is in the best interests of their children. Having the assistance of a lawyer or mediator can greatly assist in the parents finding creative terms that they may not have thought of.
To be valid, it must be signed and witnessed by both of the parents.
What are the Benefits of a Parenting Plan?
When children are involved in a separation or divorce, their best interests should be paramount. If nothing else, developing a Parenting Plan forces both parents to focus on what’s best for their children.
Other benefits of a Parenting Plan can include:
Reducing Future Conflicts - In the absence of a Parenting Plan, every decision either parent makes regarding their children can be questioned and contested by the other parent. As a legally binding document, a Parenting Plan can help both parents and their children have fewer conflicts.
Bringing Parents Together - In cases where separating and divorcing parents have had some differences, working on a Parenting Plan together shows them that they can cooperate which may lead to future cooperation to solve other differences.
Puts Parents in Control - Many issues that have to be dealt with in a separation or divorce may not be agreeable to both spouses and may be decided by a judge including how their children will be raised. But, because they play an integral role in its creation, and their opinions and preferences and what is best for their individual family are considered by each other, a Parenting Plan means neither parent is stuck with something they don’t agree with. It is also something for which they don’t have to wait for a judge’s decision before moving forward.
At Williams Family Lawyers, we use our many years of experience to advise our clients on creative terms of a Parenting Plan so as to avoid future conflict. If you would like to learn more about Parenting Plans and how it can help your entire family in a divorce or separation, please Contact Us at Williams Family Lawyers to learn more.