Developing a Parenting Plan

More About Parenting Plans

Florida law requires that divorcing parents of minor children put together a parenting plan. The parenting plan is a very important document that defines the parameters of how children will be taken care of after your divorce. The terms parental responsibility and time-sharing are today’s terminology used in a parenting plan and have replaced the terms that used to be described as “custody” and “visitation.” With evolving cultures and the rapid changes in today’s way of life facing modern families, there are constantly new issues with regard to appropriate child rearing. In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers is the preeminent legal firm for men in the Tampa area, and we have the expertise to ensure that you are well-prepared to achieve the best possible parenting plan for you and for your children.

“Parental Responsibility” and “Time-Sharing”

Parental responsibility refers to the authority that each of the parents will have in the decisions involving their children’s education, health care, religious instruction, discipline, and various other aspects of their upbringing. The term time-sharing refers to the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and when that time will occur. The court encourages parents to negotiate a plan they both support. A court will only accept a plan that is believed to be in the best interest of the children.

What Are Some Aspects of a Parenting Plan That I May Not Have Even Thought Of?

A parenting plan will describe how you and the children’s other parent will share or divide the responsibilities and tasks of raising your children including who will be responsible for school and extracurricular activities and whose address will be used for determining the school location where the children will attend. It will also include designating who is responsible for health care and religious education. A time-sharing schedule will detail the time your children will spend with each parent. It is generally believed that unless it is not in the best interest of the children, each child should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

In todays’ society, there are a variety of new issues and complexities that may need to be considered when putting together a parenting plan.

• Unfortunately, many marriages end on bad terms and parental badmouthing or brainwashing becomes a problem. It is possible that we can avoid this up front, or at least have some recourse, by including certain provisions and wording in a final agreement.

• Substantially altering a child’s appearance with tattoos, ear piercings, or dramatic haircuts without the consent of both parents is something else that may be of consideration and necessary to address in a clause of a final agreement.

• Itemizing certain financial responsibilities and expenses including health insurance, tuition, or even a motor vehicle, should also be considered. Parental agreement right up front on how devices such as cell phones will be paid for, as well as the proper age and use of electronic devices can also eliminate discourse down the road.

• With regard to time-sharing, it is a good idea to have vacation time spelled out, and also stipulated that extracurricular activities should not be scheduled during a parent’s parenting time without the knowledge or consent of that parent.

Every family’s situation is unique, and these are just a few of the things that we, as attorneys, happen to see more and more disputes over. We are experienced in heading these off before they become issues.

Who Can Help Me Put Together My Child’s Parenting Plan?

We understand the importance of the father’s role in a child’s life. Be counseled by an attorney from In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers, the Family Law Attorneys for Men. We will discuss factors that affect the best interest of your children and advise you of your rights and responsibilities so that you can play the most appropriate and loving role in their lives. Our expertise in the rights of fathers will ensure that your interests and the interests of your children are protected in the best possible way.

Call The Family Law Experts Men Trust (813) 415-3510

In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers is a premier firm of divorce lawyers for men in Tampa. We are uniquely positioned to assist our clients with the challenges men face in Florida’s court system. Call us today and get the proper representation men need and deserve.