Parenting Plan Attorneys

A wide range of matters which must be addressed during a divorce, such as the equitable distribution of marital assets and — for those with minor children — the creation of a parenting plan. According to Florida Statute § 61.13, even if divorcing parents agree to a time-sharing schedule and the terms of the parenting plan, they must have all aspects of the parenting plan legitimized within family court. In order to ensure the fulfillment of all requirements, it’s vital that you seek the experienced counsel of a Sarasota family law firm, such as Tobaygo Law.

What Is A Parenting Plan?

Parenting plans are legal documents which outline the manner in which a child will be cared for by both parents, guardians and/or custodians after a separation or divorce. The purpose of parenting plans is to protect the interests and to ensure the well-being of the child. These plans typically include the determination for how issues concerning the child will be addressed and the communication of the parents. Child custody and visitation schedules may also be created to govern how and when each party will spend time with the child. Creating a parenting plan can initially seem stressful, but by working with an experienced divorce attorney, it does not have to be. Parents should consider the following when drafting a parenting plan.

  • The schedule and availability of both parties
  • The child’s medical care and health insurance
  • Education and extracurricular expenses
  • Religious and cultural affiliations and expenses
  • Travel expenses and arrangements
  • How to address conflicts, issues, and emergencies
  • Financial payments, such as child support
  • Plans for parental relocation, if applicable

How Are Parenting Plans Determined?

Parenting plans are formed around the concept of shared parental responsibility. This does not necessarily mean all expenses or time-sharing will be equally divided, but rather it will be divided among both parents in whichever way most benefits the child or children. There is no exact guideline for developing shared parental responsibilities in parenting plans. Each case is unique and, as such, requires unique accommodations.

Some parents prefer to equitable split all responsibilities, while other parents choose to divide responsibilities for certain tasks, such as picking up the child for school, while the other takes care of the child’s financial needs. There are a number of ways in which to divide and assign parental responsibilities. The assistance of an experienced Sarasota family law attorney can help make less taxing the creation of a parenting plan.

What Are The Benefits Of A Parenting Plan?

There are numerous benefits to creating and implementing parenting plans among divorcing parents. By creating a concrete and organized system for raising and providing for the child, both parents can rest assured that the needs and desires of the child will adequately be met. In many cases, parenting plans prevent unnecessary conflict that would have otherwise been present. Most significantly, parenting plans enable the child or children to understand that both parents have his or her best interests in mind throughout the divorce. By creating a parenting plan that anticipates and addresses the needs of the child, the child can live a life as close to normalcy as possible, despite the numerous changes that occur following the divorce. This sense of stability often helps prevent emotional distress.

Is An Attorney Required To Create A Parenting Plan?

While parenting plans are designed to be flexible and detail schedules under which to raise and care for a child after a separation or divorce, parents may encounter disagreements and obstacles regarding the specific details of parenting plan arrangements. Oftentimes, mediation may serve to help parents with this process. An experienced family law attorney can counsel both parents, and help them draft a document that accounts for the child’s needs, while also considering the time availability, needs, income and expenditures of both parents. Contact Tobaygo Law today to schedule a consultation for assistance with your parenting plan. Our attorneys will help you reach an agreement that protects and considers the needs of all the parties or family members involved.