Common Mistakes Made in Parenting Plans and How to Avoid Them

There are many issues you will have to resolve with your spouse throughout the divorce process. If you and your spouse have children together, you will have to make decisions about time-sharing and creating a parenting plan. If you and your spouse cannot make these decisions on your own, you will have to go to court and allow a judge to decide. This not only takes the control away from you, but it is also a very expensive and time-consuming process.

If you are currently creating a parenting plan, it is critical that you avoid some of the most common mistakes made. Below, our Orlando child custody and time-sharing lawyer explains how to do it.

Not Being Specific

 Sometimes couples believe they can get an amicable divorce and so, they do not always create a specific schedule. This can work in the beginning, when both parties are still trying to remain civil. However, failing to create a specific plan can lead to problems in the future, particularly if a dispute arises. You and your spouse can always agree to deviate from the plan at some point but in the meantime, you will have a solid plan in place.

Not Addressing Moves 

There is a very good chance that you or your spouse will want to move at some point in the future. It is critical that your parenting plan addresses this issue, particularly if one parent wants to move far away. These disputes can become extremely heated but again, with a concrete plan in place, they can be easier to resolve.

Failing to Include Travel Plans 

Just as you should address potential future moves in your parenting plan, you should also make sure to include provisions for travel plans. At some point in the future, your spouse may want a child to accompany them on a trip you are not comfortable with, or at a time that does not work for you. It is important to include possible travel plans in your parenting plan to avoid disputes.

Failing to Address Dispute Resolution Methods

 Even if you and your spouse are amicable in the time leading up to and immediately after the divorce, there is always the possibility of future disputes. You do not want to have to go to court every time you and your ex disagree on an issue, as this is time-consuming and expensive. By including provisions in your parenting plan about how you will resolve these disputes, such as mediation, you can resolve them much more quickly and reduce some of the stress of the situation.

Not Consulting with a Child Custody and Time-Sharing Lawyer in Orlando 

Even when you and your spouse are civil with each other, it is still critical to work with an Orlando child custody and time-sharing lawyer. At Anderson & Ferrin, P.A., our experienced attorney can make sure you include all the important elements in your plan, and that it is approved by the courts. Call us now at 407-412-7041 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html