When filing for divorce, you have many issues to discuss and decide on with your spouse. One of the most important issues is child custody and creating a parenting plan.
When creating a parenting plan, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The priority is what is best for your child or children
You may be bitter or hurt because of your divorce. However, remember your children are not to blame and should not be used as a tool to “get back” at your ex-spouse. A parenting plan should put your child’s best interest first.
The schedule you create needs to meet your needs, your ex-spouse’s needs and your child’s needs. Take time to figure out all this before trying to create a schedule.
Find a routine that works for your family
You can find examples of parenting schedules online; however, you need to figure out a schedule that works for you. It is also necessary to be flexible. Things change, and the schedule should be able to accommodate the changes as they occur.
Determine the best method of communication
Co-parenting means communicating with your child’s other parent regularly. It is a good idea to include the best methods of communication as part of your parenting plan, so everyone is on the same page. This is especially helpful if there are hurt feelings since you can limit communication to texts or emails if you do not wish to talk face-to-face or on the phone.
Creating a parenting plan that works
Your child should have both parents (with some exceptions). Be sure to create a parenting plan that acknowledges this. Learning more about your legal rights and child custody in Texas can help you with this process.
