When parents divorce, it’s usually kids who take the upheaval the hardest. Divorce has many psychological effects on children, impacting everything from their health to their ability to make friends.
This is why it’s important for parents to work together when creating a post-divorce parenting plan. Working out the details for visitation and co-parenting creates the routine and stability that children need to thrive. In fact, a solid plan can help minimize your child’s anxiety over the divorce.
Here are some tips on making a parenting plan that is fair to your children and your former partner.
Start Before the Divorce is Final
While there’s a lot of work involved during a divorce, it’s important to work out a visitation agreement as soon as possible for a few reasons. First, it immediately provides stability for your child and helps them know what they can expect moving forward.
Second, it shows your attorney and the judge that you’re taking the matter seriously and have your child’s best interests at heart. It may also help move the divorce proceedings along and finalize it faster.
Decide What the Plan Will Cover
Your parenting schedule should include, at the very least, details of how much time your child will spend with you and your ex on a weekly basis. You’ll need to decide upon the rotation and who will drop off and pick up the child from school. You may also need to show the court how you and the other parent will manage the schedule, such as using an online calendar or app.
The plan should also include exceptions for holidays, birthdays, and other special events. If you need to be out of town for a business trip, your plan should include details on who will take care of your child while you’re away.
Decide Upon Expenses
It costs on average over $233,000 to raise a child to age 18 in the U.S. Your parenting plan needs to cover details on the types of expenses each parent is expected to pay for, such as clothing, food, schooling, medical bills, and more.
Your parenting plan should also include the agreed-upon child support amount and how often you’ll receive it. Find out more about how child support works.
Decide On A Method Of Communication
Is it easier for you and your ex to text, email, or phone each other? Or maybe a combination of a few different communication tools is needed.
Whatever you decide, this can help keep things civil between the two of you. You may find, for example, that texting receives a faster response from each other and it helps prevent any conflict from being overheard from your child.
A Parenting Plan Benefits Your Child
Having a parenting plan in place is one of the best things you can do for your child during a divorce. It helps them feel safe and loved during this challenging time in their life.
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