How to work toward a parenting schedule that works for you.
You know your child. You know what works for your child. You also know best what works for you. Therefore, no one is better at deciding the kind of parenting schedule that can work best for you than YOU!
That being said, how do you know what works and what doesn’t when you have never done this before? After all, once you sign an agreement on a parenting plan, you may not be able to change it unless you meet the requirements for modification. Signer’s remorse is unlikely going to meet that requirement.
There are few things you can consider when you work on a parenting plan:
The distance between the parties’ homes. Is your home too far from the other party’s home? Will you be stuck in traffic during pick up and drop off? Would it be better to minimize the number of exchanges each week to avoid having the child in the car for long periods of time several times a week?
The age of the child. Is the child old enough to travel between homes on his/her own? Is the child young enough to still be breastfeeding or needs night feedings? Is the child on formula? For younger children, should more frequent exchanges be done to avoid separation anxiety?
Your working hours. Are you working nights or irregular hours? Do you have the ability to provide care for the child while you are at work? Will you be able to have quality time with your child during your parenting time? Who will care for your child overnight if you work nights?
The child’s special needs. Does your child have a special need? Do you need to have access to medical facilities close by? Does the child have frequent visits with physicians and therapists? Do you reside close to the child’s regular healthcare providers?
Parenting Time Exchanges. Are you and the other party on good terms? Do you feel safe around the other party? Should you exchange at each other’s home or at a public location after school? Where should exchanges be in the event tha school is not in session?
Holidays. Do you live far away and not see the child on a regular basis? Should you alternate years in having the child for the holidays? How long should summer vacation time be for each parent? Should there be weekend breaks during long vacation breaks for the other parent to see the child? Does the child have other siblings not of the same family that may have birthdays and events to attend to? What is the protocol in the event of a special family event?
There are numerous other issues that may arise. You may want to make a running list of concerns and needs for yourself. That way, when you enter into negotiations for a parenting plan, you can cover as much ground as possible to avoid future arguments.
At the end, the best way to resolve a parenting issue is one that the parties come up with on their own. After all, the judge may not know you for more than a few hearings before having to make decisions that can affect you on a daily basis going forward.
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice, and your viewing of this blog does not form any attorney-client relationship.
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