Creating Parenting Plans That Work
When parents can work together to come to an agreement on issues of child custody and parenting time, they are much more likely to abide by and be comfortable with the decisions. Additionally, when parents can establish a parenting plan outside of the court, it creates a much better environment for raising children after divorce.
At the Law Offices of Lisa A. Ruggieri, P.C., we have the experience and dedication clients need when facing delicate child custody issues. Attorney Lisa A. Ruggieri is compassionate, knowledgeable and assertive, and she skillfully negotiates with parents to help them with creating parenting plans that work for their unique situation.
To schedule a consultation with a Boston and Wellesley child custody agreement lawyer, call the Law Offices of Lisa A. Ruggieri, P.C., at 781-489-3759 or send us an email.
Child Custody Agreements Tailored To Meet Your Needs
An effective parenting plan will not just state that the parents share joint custody, it will outline all details of a child custody agreement. While the agreement defines the parental roles in terms of legal custody and physical custody, the parenting plan is much more specific in outlining these issues and more.
- How will decisions be made? When parents share legal custody, it is important to identify how decisions will be made. Will certain decisions be delegated to one parent while others delegated to the other? Do both parents have access to medical records, school records and other important records? Will the parents be capable of working together to come to an agreement on major issues or concerns? What if the parents can’t agree?
- How will parenting time be shared? It is not enough to tell the courts that you will share physical custody. It is important to convey how the time will be divided or shared. When will the children reside with each parent? What schedule will be followed in terms of pickup or drop-off? Is the parenting schedule conducive to the work and school schedules? How will holidays, weekends and school breaks be shared? How will travel expenses be covered if the parents live a long distance from one another?
- How will financial support be shared (child support)? In following Massachusetts child support guidelines, who will be responsible for making child support payments? Who will be responsible for providing health care coverage? How will work-related child care expenses be covered? Will either parent carry life insurance? Are there other financial concerns in terms of raising the children?
- How will future issues or changes be handled? When life happens, it is important that your parenting plan effectively addresses how changes will be addressed so that you don’t end up back in court to resolve such issues. How will the parents address changes in circumstances such as changes in financial situations, changes in the needs of the children, changes in schedules or other changes? How will parents resolve disputes regarding a parent’s desire to relocate with the children?
- How will disagreements be resolved? No matter how hard parents work to keep things amicable, there are bound to be times where they cannot agree. How will the parents work to resolving these disputes? Will parents work with a family law attorney or mediator to negotiate solutions? Will a parent coordinator be hired to facilitate discussions and work toward an agreement? Will parents agree to be respectful of one another and always keep the best interests of their children in mind?
Contact Our Wellesley, Massachusetts, Divorce And Family Law Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Lisa A. Ruggieri, P.C., we can help you through the difficult process of creating parenting plans that work. To discuss your concerns with an experienced child custody and visitation attorney, call 781-489-3759 or send us an email to arrange an appointment.
We offer evening and weekend appointments for your convenience.
