If one spouse travels extensively, the parenting plan may flexibly revolve around the time that parent is in town. If the primary parent did not work outside the home, then he or she may continue to serve as primary parent. If one parent is relocating, the plan must address how to foster a strong parent-child bond nonetheless. Innovative solutions such as skype may be included in the parenting plan for the out-of-state parent.
Big issues like who the children will live with must be resolved, but the plan must also take into account the minor details, like who picks the children up from day care and how drop offs and pick ups are to be handled.
An effective parenting plan anticipates potential problems that could arise down the road and includes a roadmap that can be followed to resolve future challenges.
Issues Judges Consider When Creating a Custody and Parenting Plan
Among the issues that judges consider when determining a custody plan are these:
- Are the parents both willing to discuss the children’s needs rationally and amicably? If not, the parent who is more willing to communicate may be favored over the other parent when it comes to custody determination.
- Has one parent been the primary caregiver for most of the children’s lives? If one parent has been the income earner while the other stayed home with the kids, the stay-at-home parent may have an edge, even though this may not seem fair.
- How close will the parents’ homes be from one another? Will the children have to change schools? The goal is to have as minimal disruption to their lives as possible.
- Has there been abuse in the home that would make it unsafe for the child to have parenting time with the abusive parent? If this is the case, then supervised visitation will need to be part of the parenting plan.
- The children’s ages, needs, special needs, and wishes, in the case of older children, will factor into a custody decision.
- Are the parents healthy enough to care for the children and do they have the ability to provide them with financial stability as well? If the home environment is not stable or one of the parents is not physically able to fully care for the children, these issues will be taken into consideration.
Discuss Your Custody and Parenting Time Concerns With an Attorney
At the law office of Morgenstern and Rochester, we have extensive experience helping parents develop effective custody and parenting plans that protect their rights and work for both parents and children.
To schedule a consultation with an attorney at Morgenstern and Rochester in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, please call 856-489-6200 or email our law office today.