What Goes Into A Parenting Plan?
As a Florida family mediator, I'm assist you and your former partner in creating a comprehensive parenting plan that suits the needs of your family. A parenting plan is a legal document that outlines the guidelines for co-parenting following a divorce or separation. Here are the major components of a typical parenting plan in Florida:
Parenting Time and Schedule:
Detail the days and times that the children will spend with each parent.
Include arrangements for holidays, school breaks, and special occasions.
Decision-Making Authority:
Specify which parent has the authority to make decisions about the children's education, healthcare, religion, and other important matters.
Alternatively, outline how major decisions will be made jointly.
Communication and Information Sharing:
Discuss how parents will communicate about the children's well-being, including the use of technology like email or messaging apps.
Address how parents will share information about the children's school events, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities.
Travel and Relocation:
Address any restrictions on travel with the children, especially if one parent plans to relocate.
Include details about how travel will be communicated between the parents, and what type of travel is agreed upon.
Child Support:
Specify the amount of child support to be paid by one parent to the other.
Detail how and when payments will be made, and include provisions for adjusting the amount if circumstances change.
Healthcare and Insurance:
Discuss how the children's healthcare needs will be met, including which parent will provide insurance coverage.
Detail how medical expenses not covered by insurance will be divided.
Education and Extracurricular Activities:
Outline how educational decisions, such as school choice or tutoring, will be made.
Discuss how costs for extracurricular activities will be shared.
Dispute Resolution:
Detail a process for resolving disputes related to the parenting plan, such as mediation or court intervention.
Include a timeline for addressing disputes to avoid prolonged conflicts.
Additional Provisions:
Include any other important details, such as transportation arrangements, how parents will handle emergencies, or any unique circumstances relevant to your family.
It's important to remember that the parenting plan should be focused on the best interests of the children, and both parents should be open to compromise and flexibility in order to create a plan that works for everyone. As a mediator, I'm here to facilitate productive discussions and help you find common ground.
