What Does a Parenting Plan Do?

A parenting plan must be filed in any legal case where a child’s custody is determined or modified. You may be wondering just what a parenting plan will do if you aren’t familiar with the concept.

A parenting plan sets forth the guidelines and stipulations both parents will be subject to as they co-parent their child. It is both a guide for the parents as well as a legally enforceable order that provides the child with certain rights and protections.

A typical parenting plan will establish the child’s residential schedule, designating when, where, and how a child will be in the physical custody of his or her parents. It will also indicate the method of transportation between the parents for visitation and who will be responsible for the costs of transportation.

A parenting plan may also stipulate any visitation restrictions either parent may be subject to, such as the need for public or supervised visitations and the specific arrangements that have been decided. A parenting plan will also grant either parent decision-making authority. One or both parents may be given the authority to make decisions on such issues as education, religious upbringing, and medical care on behalf of their child.

It may include other provisions for cost sharing responsibilities between the parents or designate any requirements each parent must fulfill in order to spend time with their child. A parenting plan will also provide extra provisions for the safety of the child if domestic violence is an issue. An effective parenting plan provides guidance for the parents while protecting the child’s best interests. It also ensures every child has the care and support of both parents, to the extent that it is safe.

It can be a challenge to draft a strong parenting plan that accomplishes all these tasks. Consult with an experienced Georgia family law attorney if you have any questions about how to draft a parenting plan. There are many requirements you must fulfill and an attorney can ensure your plan is comprehensive and beneficial to your child. It is important that you approach the task knowing how to protect your child’s interests.

Are you in the greater Roswell area and need assistance with creating a parenting plan? Attorney Thomas C. Rowsey, P.C. is experienced in family law and will help ensure you create a parenting plan that looks out for your child’s best interests. Based in Roswell, GA, Thomas C. Rowsey Attorneys at Law serves those across the greater Atlanta metropolitan area including Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Milton, Cumming, Dunwoody, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. Contact our office today at (770) 993-5317 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Offering expert legal counsel in personal injury, criminal defense and family law, Thomas Rowsey, Attorneys at Law are here to help.