During a divorce, most couples struggle to figure out a successful parenting plan that will work for everyone. There are many factors at play, and many are important to the well-being of both children and parents.
In New York, there are two basic types of parenting plans: one for parents to whom one gets sole custody and one for parents with joint custody. No matter the type of custody awarded, you should take the following factors into consideration when creating a successful parenting plan.
Medical care
If one parent has sole custody, he or she is legally allowed to make all medical care decisions. However, a parenting plan can help outline which parent is responsible to pay for medical care as well as which will schedule and transport children to appointments or whether they will share the responsibility. If there is joint custody, the plan should outline how the parents will make medical decisions.
Education
A good parenting plan should include decisions regarding education, such as where the child or children will attend school, what types of extracurricular activities they will participate in, and which parents will provide transportation and when.
Exchanges
It is best to have all decisions regarding exchanges of children between parents included in a parenting plan in order to avoid any potential conflict. Parents should decide on a time and location for all exchanges and include alternatives should unforeseen circumstances arise.
There are several additional factors that parents should think about when creating a parenting plan that is set up for success. Considering the best interest of all children involved is the best way to work collaboratively for a low-conflict divorce.