Providing Parents With The Tools They Need To Successfully Co-Parent
Changes involved with child custody arrangements and splitting time between parents can prove to be a difficult transition for children and parents alike. Parents should understand this but also know that with the right tools and preparation, they can help set themselves up for success with co-parenting and ease the transition for their children.
At Angela Faye Brown & Associates, our lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping parents and children navigate difficult circumstances. They can assist parents in Houston and Austin in creating thorough parenting plans that address not only their children’s current needs but their needs and goals in the future as well.
What Is A Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans can range from formal legal documents to more informal plans that detail how the children will spend time with each parent and outline rights and responsibilities. Both parents must agree to the specifics of the plan, and the plan can be changed in the future if mutually agreed upon. In most Texas child custody cases, where the parents are joint managing conservators, they will be required to create a parenting plan.
The Benefits Of A Detailed Parenting Plan
Parenting plans can be extremely helpful when the work that goes into creating them is detailed and thoughtful. Our attorneys pride themselves on creating custom and creative parenting plans. We strive to create plans that are not only helpful for the near future but are helpful up until your child turns 18. While a parenting plan can always be modified, creating a thorough and custom plan from the start can help balance the prioritizing of your child’s needs with the goals and wishes of each parent.
When possible, the state of Texas prefers that children have access to and relationships with both parents after a divorce or separation. Because of this, joint managing conservatorships or joint custody are common. When co-parents can work together from the start to create a parenting plan that works for everyone, it can set the foundation for a healthy environment for both the child and the parents.
What Your Parenting Plan Should Include
The ultimate goal of parenting plans is to keep the focus on what is best for the children. Parents are able to create a parenting plan together, but if they cannot agree on some issues, they may be required to follow a court-ordered plan. Typical parenting plans will address:
- How much time the children will spend with each parent on a regular basis
- How the children will split time with each parent on special occasions, including birthdays, holidays and breaks from school
- Who will make decisions, and how these decisions will be made, ranging from day-to-day issues to larger, more important issues
- How the logistics of dropping off and picking up the children will take place
- How the parents will address future conflict and potentially agree upon methods to resolve issues, such as mediation
- How the parents will make potential future changes to the plan on a temporary or permanent basis
Depending on the circumstances, your plan might address more or fewer items. Our attorneys will work with you to determine the important items to address and agree upon.
Get Started With Our Team Today
A thoughtful parenting plan can address blind spots and proactively avoid the potential for uncertainty or conflict. Contact our attorneys today to discuss your plan, whether you want to get started or modify an existing document. Call our Houston office at 713-714-3710 or send us an email.