Parenting Plans
Parenting time and decision – making ability subsequent to a separation or divorce are parts of a comprehensive set of terms included in a parenting plan. A parenting plan sets out each parent’s rights and obligations with respect to the day to day care of their children, as well as establish rules regarding communication between parents. The purpose of a parenting plan is to ensure each parent is very clear on what to is expected of them, reducing the chances of miscommunication or conflict going forward. Mediation or the Collaborative Family Practice can be utilized as an effective means to either negotiate or resolve parenting plans. Parenting plans can also form part of separation agreement or a court order.
At Juzkiw Law in North York, our team have been representing clients regarding parenting plans since our inception. We bring skilled advocacy and are empathic to the needs of prospective clients. We work with clients to custom tailor a highly detailed and mutually agreeable strategy which highlights the client’s responsibilities based on their family dynamic and circumstances.
Components of a Parenting Plan
A parenting plan is a legally binding document that establishes roles and responsibilities for both parents with respect to each child. Both parenting time and decision –making ability should be addressed in a parenting plan. Parenting plans can be extremely detailed, including everything from which parent will make a child’s medical decisions, educational decisions, and extra-curricular activities, as well as religious upbringing, residence, the time and location of pick-ups or drop offs. An effective parenting plan should address current circumstances and prepare for future changes as the children age and their needs change.
These plans include but are not limited to the following:
- Rules for resolving disputes which may arise over how to manage and issues over which they share or alternate control.
- A detailed schedule of where children will be day to day, or week to week, pursuant to the parenting time arrangements. This may include specifics details regarding pick up and drop off procedures, and alternative arrangements if one parent cannot make their scheduled time
- If a parent needs to change the schedule, plans for notice providing reasons why the change is required.
- Rules for how a child will be disciplined in the event of behavioral issues
- A child’s daily routine, to ensure consistency between households.
- Rules for communication between parents. Parents may wish to limit communication to email or text or have a weekly call to discuss any concerns they have with respect to their children
- Specific details can be included by parents in their agreements or orders, or any issues of particular importance to their family. The plans must be clear and specific. The plan must be clear, concise and have manageable goals for both parents. Consistency is a key element for children in order to help minimize conflict between parents.
Contact the Divorce Lawyers at Juzkiw Law in North York for Effective Parenting Plans
With the strong advocacy and assistance of a skilled lawyer, parenting plans are made much easier to produce. At Juzkiw Law our team assists our clients in creating a detailed and enforceable parental plans which clearly set out each parent’s rights and obligations. Whether you are settling matters through mediation, negotiation, or collaborative family law, or utilizing a parenting plan as part of a court order, our team design a plan tailored to your unique circumstances.
At Juzkiw Law, our team has the advocacy skills and compassion to make the process of creating a parenting plan as stress free as possible. Your plan with address a number of scenarios so that there is no room for misinterpretation. To discuss your circumstances and learn about the options available to you, please reach out to us online or by phone to at 416 290 5055.