Nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. When children are involved, divorce proceedings become even more complicated and can have a long term negative impact on kids.

Creating a parenting plan can lessen some of the negative effects of divorce on children. Parents (preferably both) are supposed to teach the child right from wrong and guide them positively through life. A positive parenting plan that depicts both parties working together will show their child love, care and devotion even though the marriage has dissolved.

What is a Parenting Plan?

Parenting plans are coordinated schedules that are in accordance with the best interests of the children. Parenting plans were instilled to replace visitation in the state of Florida, however these two terms are not interchangeable. They are supposed to promote unison and cooperation between divorced or unmarried parents to care for a child together.

How the Parenting Plan is Determined

When creating a parenting plan, the family court will take a variety of factors into consideration, such as the age of the children and the family circumstances. Depending on the current family situation, the family court will assist in forming the provisions of a parenting plan that is best for both parties involved with the child's best interest as the primary focus.

What to Include in your Parenting Plan

A Florida parenting plan is not only beneficial for children, but also aids the parents in establishing a healthy working relationship post-divorce. A parenting plan should include the following information:

• A residential schedule
• A visitation schedule
• A proposed custody schedule
• Transportation arrangements
• Car seat arrangements
• Alterations to the schedule as the child ages
• Proposed schedules for school vacations
• How to be neutral about exchanging children and working through schedule changes
• Care arrangements
• Who will be the primary babysitter
• How to handle relocation requests
• How to approach contact with extended family members
• Whether or not there will be contact with friends or dating partners

These are the main aspects to consider when formulating a parenting plan with your former partner. There is always the possibility of adding certain issues that aren't listed above into your parenting plan, if applicable.

At Segarra & Associates, P.A., we understand the importance of establishing a parenting plan that will assist you in safeguarding the best interests of your children. Our goal is to ensure that you and your family are able to start off this New Year as fresh and as positive as possible. Contact us today for a consultation!