When you and your spouse divorce, understanding how custody of your child will be handled is critical. In New York, a parenting plan will be implemented to determine how much time each parent will spend with the child, as well as any other terms and conditions the parents wish to establish. If you are about to go through a divorce and you have children, connecting with a Nassau County family law attorney is essential to protecting the best interest of your child. Additionally, the following blog explores some of the most common questions you may have regarding your parenting plan. Read on to learn more.
What Is Included in a Parenting Plan?
In New York, a parenting plan or custody agreement is implemented when parents divorce and have children. This will outline the custody arrangement, which may entail joint physical custody or sole custody. If parents receive joint custody, the plan will outline how much time each parent can spend with the child, as well as how exchanges will go. If sole custody is awarded to one parent, the other will likely receive visitation rights, which will be detailed in the plan. Generally, plans will consider important events like school breaks, vacations, holidays, and special events to help ease tension between the parents.
Aside from time spent with the child, a parenting plan will also include how you will handle decision-making regarding the child if you both receive joint legal custody. This includes determining medical decisions, where the child will go to school, religious values, and how you will discipline the child.
Additionally, you may be able to include information regarding communication with the other parent, such as what methods you should use and what information regarding the child you will exchange.
What Should I Do if My Ex-Spouse Doesn’t Adhere to the Plan?
Generally, you and your partner may try to create a parenting plan. However, if you cannot agree to the terms, the courts will establish one for you. Unfortunately, some parents will not adhere to the terms and conditions of the agreement, which can lead to issues down the line. If your spouse refuses to cooperate and follow the plan, whether they are consistently late for drop off or repeatedly fail to share information, this can create tension and frustration.
Though you may be tempted to retaliate, it’s in your best interest to remain calm, stick to the plan, and document all violations. Next, you’ll want to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
When your co-parent continually violates the court-ordered parenting plan, you may be unsure of what to do or how to proceed. Luckily the team at Barrows Levy, PLLC, can help. We understand how frustrating this can be. As such, our team can fight for you. Additionally, if you’re at an impasse trying to create a parenting plan, our team can help fight for the best interests of you and your child. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
