What is the Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a design for the way you will raise your children after separation and divorce. Parenting plan forms are sold at the courthouse, and books about parenting plans are available at bookstores. If you do not agree on a parenting plan, each parent may submit a separate plan, and the court will enter one for you. The Court may also, in the absence of an agreement, craft its own parenting plan. Once the court determines a parenting plan is in the best interests of the children, it will become an order of the court, which is as enforceable as any other court order. What are the Best Interests of the Child? In determining parental responsibilities, parents should consider the age, independence, emotional needs and development of the child as well as the schedules of each parent. Although there may have been certain parenting “schedules” prior to the divorce, a divorce, by its nature requires that the parties discuss an alternate plan which will ensure contact between the chi
