Whether you and your spouse decide that divorce is right for you or you’ve been divorced for years, a successful parenting plan is the key to creating a healthy environment for your child. However, many are unsure what elements to consider when creating your initial plan or revising an established one. As such, the following blog explores the benefits of an effective plan and the considerations you should make when creating or adjusting yours. Additionally, you’ll learn the importance of working with a Nassau County child custody lawyer to help you navigate these difficult matters.
What Are the Benefits of an Effective Custody Plan?
Creating a custody plan is critical to the success and well-being of your child. Generally, when a plan is effective and both parents are on board, the biggest benefit is that it provides stability for the child during this difficult time. A consistent schedule helps create a routine for the child, which helps them feel in control. When custody is constantly changing, they may struggle to adapt.
Similarly, you’ll find that creating an effective plan can help clearly explicate matters regarding raising the child. This includes things like where they will attend school, who can make decisions for the child, and disciplinary measures. Addressing these matters can also provide stability, as the child will have consistent rules in both households.
In addition to benefits for the child, you’ll also find that creating a custody plan can be beneficial for you and your spouse. Not only does an effective plan help clearly divide responsibilities to allow both parents to take on the labor of parenting, but it also reduces conflict and stress. This can help foster a healthy co-parenting relationship, which again, benefits the child. They don’t need to feel as though they need to pick sides when disputes arise and can focus on their individual relationship with each parent.
What Should I Consider When Creating a Successful Parenting Plan?
The most important thing you should consider when creating a parenting plan is the best interest of your child. After all, creating a custody plan is done to ensure the health, well-being, happiness, and success of the child are prioritized above all else, including the wishes of the parents. As such, keeping this matter as the highest priority is critical.
In addition, you should establish a clear custody schedule, and discuss matters like holidays, birthdays, and vacations early to determine how these will be handled. Additionally, you should discuss things like extracurriculars and social events to ensure you are on the same page with these decisions when they arise.
Another critical factor to consider in your child custody plan is the communication between the child and the non-custodial parent. Some parents may want an “open door” style of communication where the child can speak to both parents during their time with the other, while other families may decide that letting the child focus on their time with the custodial parent is better for their needs.
Finally, you should discuss the matter of dating, especially if you and your spouse both intend to start new relationships after the divorce is finalized. You should determine how and when the child is introduced to any new partners.
When going through a divorce, creating a successful parenting plan is key to minimizing the impact of divorce, not only on yourself, but on your child. As such, it’s in your best interest to discuss these matters with an experienced family law attorney with Barrows Levy PLLC. We understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why our firm is here to help you make the best decisions for you and your family. Contact us today for more information.
