No issue in a divorce sparks intense disagreements and emotions like child custody disputes. To avoid conflicts later and create a schedule that benefits the children, a child custody attorney can help parents create a parenting plan that outlines who a child will stay with in different situations. Whether you’re working with your spouse to develop a schedule or have to take your case to court, here’s all you should know about parenting plans and why they’re necessary.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a detailed document that explains where a child will live, when they’ll see the other parent, and what happens in extraordinary situations. If you’re proposing a shared custody arrangement, this document should detail how often the child will change residences and the responsibilities of each parent. Your parenting plan might also include a schedule for holiday custody, provisions for unscheduled days off of school, and methods for amending the arrangement in the future. The more detail your plan includes, the more conflict and uncertainty you can avoid in the future.

Who Needs to Create One?

Many states, including Nebraska, require divorcing parents to submit a parenting plan designed to serve the best interests of the child. If you and your former spouse aren’t able to reach an agreement, a child custody attorney mediate the discussion by outlining common conflict scenarios, proposing alternatives, and guiding you toward solutions you’re both happy with.

What Happens If I Don’t Create One?

Even if you’ve completed a parenting plan, a judge will have to review the schedule to ensure it serves the best interests of the children. In contentious divorces, each party will submit a proposed document, which should also be centered around the child’s needs. If the judge decides neither plan is acceptable, they have the power to create one for you.

If you need help preparing a parenting plan, visit the child custody attorneys at Reagan, Melton, & Delaney LLP in East and South-East Nebraska. With offices in Lincoln and Bellevue, NE, they offer legal advice and award-winning service in matters involving criminal law, business law, family law, DUIs, probate, and more. Learn more about their practice areas online, then call (402) 476-6585 to schedule a consultation in Lincoln, or (402) 932-9494 to speak with a child custody attorney in Bellevue.