When parents separate or divorce, creating a thoughtful parenting plan can help them to better ensure the well-being of their children. A parenting plan generally outlines how custody, parenting time and decision-making responsibilities will be shared between those who co-parent or parallel parent with an ex.
While some parents may be tempted to take a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to drafting their family’s plan, doing so without professional guidance can lead to several otherwise preventable issues down the road. For example, many parents are unaware of specific state legal requirements regarding custody and parenting plan, which can make a DIY plan invalid or difficult to enforce. Consulting with a skilled legal team proactively can help to ensure that a plan adheres to local laws and is structured in ways that are likely to prevent future complications.
Key concerns
Parents generally have the best intentions when creating a DIY parenting plan, but good intentions do not necessarily lead to the implementation of strong, thoughtful legal safeguards. For instance, what happens if one parent moves out of state? How will holidays, school breaks or medical emergencies be handled? Without the insight of a legal professional, it’s easy to overlook these scenarios, which can lead to disputes in the future.
Additionally, a DIY approach can lead to emotionally driven choices that are not in the best interest of the child at issue. Family law professionals can help parents avoid emotional pitfalls that could complicate the creation of an effective parenting plan.
Finally, it is worth noting that a DIY parenting plan may not hold up in court if it is not clear, specific and legally sound. This could lead to problems with enforcement if one parent does not adhere to the terms of the agreement. Working with an experienced legal team when crafting a plan can help to ensure that it is enforceable and that both parents understand their rights and obligations.