The wellbeing of the children is the first priority in any child custody issue. For example, when creating a parenting plan, the court must put the best interests of the child first.
Key considerations with a parenting time agreement
There are myriad factors that come into play with parenting time. The court considers the case from the perspectives of the child and the parent. It also assesses the parent-child relationship.
When considering the child’s best interests, the court considers factors including their age, their temperament and their maturity level. Children have a routine with school, socializing, extracurricular activities, medical care, and more. These need to be handled delicately, and the parenting time schedule needs to address their individual needs and gauge how they can adapt.
The parents are also scrutinized. This includes looking at their temperament, their fitness to handle parenting duties, any personal issues such as mental health concerns or substance abuse, if they can care for the child based on the child’s needs, and the ability to be flexible and reasonable with the other parent.
Since the schedule can be complex, the parents need to understand the need for flexibility and communication with the other parent even if they are not on good terms. In some cases, the parents parted ways amicably or are at least capable of being civil for the child. The courts need to know that the parents will put their personal animus to the side when creating or approving a proposed parenting plan.
Parents should understand all aspects of custody and parenting time
Complications are likely in all family law cases. It is particularly difficult to come to a parenting time schedule that the parents can adhere to and that suits the child’s needs. This could stem from personal issues, finances, work hours, the distance the parents live apart, and if there are lingering disputes from the marriage itself.
From the start, it is essential to know what factors the court will consider when creating a parenting plan. Parents need to be protected and know how the child will be impacted as they proceed. Discussing the case with experienced professionals who can protect their interests is vital from the outset.
