Factors to Consider When Negotiating a Parenting Plan in California

Divorce has a major impact not only on the separating spouses, but also on their children. Because children do not necessarily have a say in their parents’ decision to divorce, it can be hard for them to understand how the divorce will affect them and what their lives and relationships with both parents will look like throughout the divorce process and after it is finalized. Divorcing parents need to work together to establish a clear parenting plan that reduces uncertainty for their children and makes sure that their needs are met.

Important Considerations for Child Custody and Visitation

There is a tendency for some to think of child custody as a question of “who gets the kids,” but this is an oversimplification that does not fully account for the children’s best interests or the fact that in most divorces, both parents continue to share responsibility for their children’s well-being. When you and your spouse are negotiating your parenting plan, you should consider a number of factors, including:

• Your children’s education and extracurricular activities. You and your spouse will need to determine which of you will contribute to the choice of your children’s schools and their involvement in extracurricular activities. You should also account for where the schools and activities are located and when they take place to decide which of you may be responsible for transporting your children on a regular basis.

• Your children’s religious upbringing. If religion is important to your family, you and your spouse may also need to discuss the religious beliefs in which your children will be raised, and which of you will be responsible for doing so. You may want to consider which parent will bring children to religious services when planning your parenting schedule.

• Your work schedules. You and your spouse should think about when your time will need to be focused on your job responsibilities. This can allow you to develop a parenting time or visitation schedule such that both parents can dedicate their attention to the children during the time that they have.

• Your living situations. You and your spouse will need to discuss transportation for the children between your homes, as well as the room each of you has to give your children a comfortable space. Another consideration is which home is more conveniently located for travel required in the children’s weekly routine.

• Your preference for certain holidays. You and your spouse will need to determine when the children will spend time with each of you throughout the year. This can be especially difficult when addressing holidays, since each of you will likely want to have your children with you to celebrate these special days. You may need to decide which holidays are most important to you and your children or consider an alternating holiday schedule each year.

Remember that while it is important to create a parenting plan that you and your spouse feel comfortable following, it is even more important that the plan you create serves the best interests of your children. Consider what will allow them to maintain their routines, continue doing the things they enjoy, and maintain a strong relationship with both parents.

Contact a Los Gatos, CA Divorce Lawyer Today

At the  Law Offices of Benita Ventresca, we help divorcing parents make the best decisions for their children with a focus on mediation that allows for cooperative solutions. If you need assistance with your divorce and parenting plan agreement, contact a Los Gatos child custody attorney at 408-395-8822 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.parents.com/parenting/divorce/children/what-to-consider-when-creating-a-custody-agreement/