When parents separate or divorce in California, creating a comprehensive parenting plan is essential. A parenting plan outlines how both parents will share responsibilities and make decisions regarding their child’s upbringing. Courts in California encourage parents to develop a mutually agreed-upon plan, but if they cannot, the court will step in to make custody and visitation decisions based on the child’s best interests.
Here’s what should be included in a parenting plan:
1. Physical Custody Schedule
Physical custody refers to where the child will live and how parenting time is divided. A detailed schedule should specify things like weekly schedules, and where the child will spend special days such as holidays, school breaks, and birthdays.
2. Legal Custody Arrangements
Legal custody involves decision-making power regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and welfare. California courts typically prefer joint legal custody, meaning both parents share decision-making responsibilities. However, parents are free to specify legal custody arrangements as they wish in the parenting plan.
3. Communication Guidelines
Miscommunication is a common friction point between parents. A parenting plan should include clear communication expectations to help prevent misunderstandings. A parenting plan should address how the parents will communicate, how the child will communicate with the parents, and response time expectations.
4. Travel and Relocation
The plan should clarify whether a parent can move with the child, whether a parent can travel out-of-state or internationally with the child, and who will hold or manage the child’s travel documents such as passports.
5. Dispute Resolution Process
While having a parenting plan in place cuts down on potential future issues, conflicts may still arise. The parenting plan should specify whether disputes must be resolved through mediation before court intervention and how parents will handle modifications to the agreement if circumstances change.
6. Child Support and Expense Sharing
While child support is generally determined separately by a court, the parenting plan can include how parents will share extra expenses such as medical bills, school fees, and extracurricular activities.
A Child Custody Attorney Can Help Parents Craft a Complete Parenting Plan
A well-crafted child custody parenting plan provides structure, reduces conflict, and ensures a stable environment for children. Parents are encouraged to work together to create a fair and practical plan. Working with an attorney while developing the plan ensures that there are minimal gaps and that the plan accounts for the future needs of the child. At the Law Office of Darshann M. Wienick, we specialize in high-conflict situations and can help ensure your interests and the interests of your child are represented. If you find yourself in need of a divorce or child custody attorney, consider partnering with us. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation.
