The end of your marriage will bring significant changes for every member of your family, including your children. As a parent, you want to minimize the potential harm that this process could have on their mental and emotional well-being, and you want to create a custody and visitation plan that will provide stability for years to come. For some Colorado families, this means opting for a shared parenting plan.
While not the ideal choice in every situation, shared parenting does offer benefits in specific situations. Before you make any final decisions regarding your custody and visitation order, you may benefit from considering shared parenting and how it may work in your family. The primary goal of any custody order is to provide your children with stability and security long-term.
The details of a shared parenting plan
There is no one-size-fits-all shared parenting plan. You can create a strategy that will allow you to meet the specific needs of your kids and protect your parental rights while still offering your kids equitable access to each parent. It is now more common than ever for parents to create their own parenting plans that will work for their unique family. A shared parenting approach requires cooperation and a focus on the needs of the kids above all else. Elements of a strong shared parenting plan include:
- Details regarding how parents will resolve conflict
- Outline of how drop-off and pick-up procedures will work
- Basic schedule of where children will spend breaks from school and holidays
- Provisions for vacation time
- Methods for modifying the plan or deviating from the plan
- Outline for how parents will share decision-making authority
- Additional specific provisions that are important for your family
It can be difficult for two parents who recently divorced to co-parent peacefully together. However, by focusing on the needs of the kids above all else, you will find it easier to navigate this challenging transition.
Can it work for you?
If you are considering shared parenting, you will benefit from first seeking guidance regarding how you can create a thoughtful and carefully crafted custody order. This is the foundation for making any type of custody plan work long-term and reducing the amount of stress your children may feel at this time. Before you make any final decisions regarding custody, thoughtfully consider how shared parenting could be the right choice for your family.