You and your former spouse recently separated, but you want to work together to raise your shared children in Florida. Creating a parenting plan helps, but that plan works most favorably for everyone when created with the right insights.
Get useful tips for drafting a court-approved parenting plan. Decide how to take optimum care of your shared children and resolve issues before they crop up.
Create a parenting schedule
When establishing a parenting plan, account for work schedules, obligations outside of the family, your child’s school schedule and your child’s age. The primary goal with a parenting schedule is to give the kids equal time with their parents.
On a related note, consider how to stick to the schedule. An online calendar that you and the other parent edit together helps keep everyone on the same page. You may also prefer to communicate through online tools if you and your ex-spouse find physical interactions difficult.
Plan for special occasions and events
Plan for school field trips, holidays, birthdays and other special occasions and events. You may want to make slight adjustments to the schedule for Father’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Account for expenses
You know how expensive raising a child can be, so account for child-rearing expenses in your parenting plan. An even split for everything may work for you and the other parent, or you may prefer that one of you pays more or less for specific individual expenses. Consulting an existing child support payment plan can help. The same applies to using a tool to help you and the other parent keep up with and view all expenses and reimburse each other when necessary.
Not only must a parenting plan work for you and your former spouse, but it must also work for the court. Throughout your planning, keep the focus on your children’s happiness.
