Improving Parenting Plans Developed by Rita Casey, Extension Agent, McNairy Count Edited by Denise J. Brandon, Associate Professor

What is a parenting plan?  Part of the final divorce order.  Says what each parent will do for the children.  Says how decisions will be made about the children.  States how parenting time will be divided between the parents.

WHY HAVE A PARENTING PLAN?  A parenting plan can help you work together for the good of the children.  Parents usually must agree on some things until their children are adults.  Making things clear in the plan can cut down on arguing later.

WRITING THE PARENTING PLAN  Get a copy of the parenting plan forms.  On the forms, you say what each parent will do for the children.  You spell out when the children will stay with each parent, including holidays, vacations, and birthdays.  The amount of child support (as required by law)  How decisions will be made about the children’s medical care, education and religion.  How disagreements about the children will be settled.

WHAT IF YOU CAN’T AGREE ON A PARENTING PLAN?  Parents may file a temporary parenting plan.  The Judge will have final say on which, if either plan, will be used.  The Judge may order parents to mediation.  The Judge will decide issues on which parents cannot agree.

Parenting Plan Words WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

PARENTING RESPONSIBILITIES Duties as a parent, which include making decisions and caring for your child. This includes feeding, clothing and helping to pay for what the child needs.

Parenting responsibilities also include…  Keeping child safe  Providing medical care and education  Continuing child’s religious training  Providing opportunities for additional activities

PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN A written plan that becomes an order of the court. It says how almost everything about the children will be done after the divorce.

PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN INCLUDES  Where the children will live,  When they will spend time with the other parent,  What each parents has to do,  How much child support will be paid in accordance with the law.

“BEST” PARENTING PLAN  Considers the needs of all family members  Enables children to maintain a relationship with both parents  Is worked out with both parents’ input and agreement

Things to Consider:  School  Work schedules  Social obligations  Family obligations  Children’s ages and developmental needs  Safety  Special needs of family members

LONG DISTANCE PARENTING Considerations:  Frequency and length of parenting time  Travel arrangements.  Children’s schedules  Other options for contact

CHILDREN MAY SAY THEY DON’T WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH THE OTHER PARENT. What are your options?

MAKE YOUR PARENTING PLAN WORK

SUPPORT YOUR PARENTING PLAN Accept the parenting plan and comply with the schedule.

WHAT IF PROBLEMS ARISE WITH THE PARENTING PLAN?  Attempt to resolve problems outside of court  Issues related to child support must be resolved through the courts  Keep the best interests of the child at the forefront of your decisions

HOW CAN THE PARENTING PLAN BE ENFORCED? If your parenting plan has been filed with the court, it is be enforced through the courts.

Be Consistent but flexible!  Provide continuity  Address your children’s needs.  Remember children’s individual differences in developing the plan  Allow for changes as children mature.  Both parents should support the parenting plan.

When the Parenting Plan Needs Adjustment  If a parent moves away  If a parent’s job hours change  Changes in health of parent or child  As children develop schedules of their own  As children’s preferences and needs change with growth

REMEMBER PARENTS ARE FOREVER