Important Components of Parenting Agreements
When parents of children get divorced, they must resolve issues such as parental responsibilities and time-sharing in a parenting agreement. It is always best if both parents can agree to these issues because those who cannot leave all final decisions to a judge. Even when both parents agree, though, this does not mean that all parenting agreements are created equally. There are many different components to include in parenting agreements to prevent future disputes, outline the terms of co-parenting, and more. Below, our Orlando child custody lawyer explains what these are.
Comprehensive Time-Sharing Schedules
The time-sharing schedules make up the bulk of parenting agreements in Florida, as they stipulate when each parent will spend time with the child, how many overnights each parent will have, and more. Many parents focus on the day-to-day of their children’s lives when creating these schedules, which can create conflict in the future. In addition to routine weekdays and weekends, a comprehensive time-sharing schedule should also include provisions for the following:
- Summer vacations and other school breaks, such as over the holidays
- Rotational visits for holidays, including religious and cultural observances
- Special occasions such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
- How make-up time is scheduled if parenting time is missed
Parental Responsibilities
Other than time-sharing schedules, parental responsibilities also make up a large part of parenting agreements in Florida. Parental responsibilities refer to which parent has the authority to make important decisions for the child. The parenting agreement should specify whether important decisions will be made by one specific parent or if they will be made jointly. Agreements should include decision-making authority for the following:
- Educational preferences and choice of schools
- Non-urgent medical care the child will receive
- Healthcare providers who will provide medical care for the child
- The religious upbringing for the child
- Participation in sports or extracurricular activities for the child
Communication Methods
Regardless of how bitter a divorce was, co-parents will still have to communicate with each other afterward to ensure the best interests of their child are protected. An effective parenting plan should include how parents will communicate with each other to avoid future conflict. Provisions for communication in a parenting agreement should include:
- Preferred methods of communication between the parents (text, email, and apps)
- Timeframes for responses in non-emergency situations
- Procedures for emergency situations
- Instructions for sharing information about the child’s development and activities
- A framework for when and how parents can communicate with their child during the other parent’s time with the child
Our Child Custody Lawyer in Orlando Can Help Draft Your Plan
Parenting plans require a great deal of thought and consideration. Even the smallest mistake can result in conflicts arising in the coming years. At Anderson & Ferrin, P.A. our Orlando child custody lawyer can negotiate with your former spouse for fair terms and draft an agreement that will be enforced by the courts and help you and your co-parent avoid conflict in the future. Call us now at 407-412-7041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
