As a parent, your main priority during your divorce is ensuring that your kids do not experience any unnecessary disruption to their lives. While the end of your marriage will bring change for every member of the family, there are steps you can take to protect their mental and emotional well-being. One of these things is creating a meaningful and thoughtful parenting plan.
The key to a meaningful parenting plan is to prioritize the needs of the children above all else. With the right custody and visitation plan in place, you will be able to provide for your kids a sense of security, continuity of lifestyle and peace of mind during a difficult time. It is possible to pursue terms that adequately balance your parental rights with the best interests of the kids.
Elements of your plan
No one understands the needs of your kids as well as you do. You know their schedules and their health concerns and are closely familiar with what they need to be healthy and happy. To prioritize the needs of the children, the parents may consider their physical and emotional needs. In addition to this, a good parenting plan may include the following elements:
- A routine that works for your family — This should take into account your kids’ school schedules, extracurricular activities and more. You should also account for your work schedule, especially if you have unusual work hours.
- A plan for communicating with each other — You and the other parent will need to talk to each other. You need a system where you can discuss concerns, talk through problems and make decisions in a respectful manner.
- A way to make important decisions — Both parents will want a say in important decisions in the lives of their kids. Your parenting plan should include terms that will outline how you both will approach these matters.
The terms and details of your parenting plan will impact you and your kids for years to come. You will find it helpful to work with an experienced Colorado family law attorney who can help you make choices that will be positive and beneficial for every member of the family. Crafting a parenting plan is not easy, and you may want to seek guidance before you make any important decisions for your future.