Key Issues That Should Be Addressed in a Texas Parenting Plan

 Posted on June 24, 2022 in Family Law

When a couple makes the decision to divorce, one common concern they often have is how to make sure the divorce will have the least amount of negative impact on their children as possible. It is well documented how much of an effect divorce and child custody has on families, with new living arrangements often needed, new family dynamics, and new roles for everyone. The smoother these changes occur, the better adjusted children will be.

It is not always easy to work together with someone you are divorcing, given the acrimony that may be present, however, that should be the goal when it comes to co-parenting. One of the most important tools that can help attain that cohesiveness between parents is to create a parenting plan that you both can agree on.

Creating a Parenting Plan

As you negotiate custody with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you will also want to set down guidelines regarding how this shared custody will work. Every parenting plan is different because it should be tailored to your specific situation. Some parents may need to have only a brief overview of what is expected, while other parents will need extensive details included in their plans.

Parenting plans can also help avoid future disagreements regarding decisions for your child by including these issues in the parenting plan. For example, if you have a pre-teen who will have their driver’s license in a couple of years, you and your co-parent can make a joint decision on whether or not your future driver will have their own vehicle and who will be responsible for insurance, maintenance, etc. This decision can be included in the parenting agreement, avoiding a potential disagreement a few years from now when your child actually gets their license.

Other Issues That Can Be Covered

Parenting plans can address many issues. In addition to how custody will be shared and parenting time divided, some of the most common topics covered in a parenting plan include:

• How will details for extracurricular and after-school activities be addressed?

• How will backup childcare be handled?

• How will medical needs and decisions of the child be addressed?

• What will the parenting time schedule for your child’s birthdays, parents’ birthdays, holidays, and other special events be?

• How will transportation to and from each parent’s home for custody exchanges be covered?

• How will the parents deal with transportation to and from school?

• How should visitation with extended family, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles take place?

• What are the rules regarding discipline for the child when he or she misbehaves?

• What religion will the child be raised in?

Contact a Travis County Family Lawyer for Legal Guidance

If you are ending your marriage and will be dealing with custody and parenting issues, you want a skilled Austin complex custody attorney advocating for you and your child. Call Powers and Kerr, PLLC at 512-610-6199 to schedule a confidential consultation and find out what legal options you may have.

Source:

https://guides.sll.texas.gov/child-custody-and-support