If you and your partner recently decided to get divorced, there are many decisions you’ll need to make. Of those, one of the most important involves how you will continue to co-parent. In this situation, working with your attorney to devise a comprehensive parenting plan is ideal. The following guide outlines what you need to know about this approach so you can best serve your children and move forward after the separation.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is an official document that outlines how both parents plan to move forward after a divorce, caring for their children in separate households. Comprehensive plans include detailed instructions for how the most important areas of each child’s life will be handled.

A thorough parenting plan should include information about visitation schedules, religious preferences, shared expenses, and responsibilities regarding after-school activities and events. If applicable, parenting plans should also clearly outline set rules for the children that both parents agree on, including decisions about curfews, dating, chores, and school. 

Why Should You Create a Plan With an Attorney?

It’s normal for children to struggle with feelings of inconsistency or lack of security while their parents are navigating a divorce. One of the best ways to combat these emotions is to provide a sense of structure and routine. Parenting plans help all parties ease into their new way of life by providing a clear path for how to move forward. 

Creating a plan with your attorney is also an excellent way to minimize frustrations with your co-parent in the future. It isn’t uncommon for people to get into fights after a divorce because both parties have different opinions on how to parent their children. With a plan in place, both adults have the opportunity to work together and make decisions before any issues arise. 

If you need an attorney to help you create a parenting plan, talk to the professionals at Burglin & Doxey, PC. With over 30 years of experience helping residents throughout Fairbanks, AK, with everything from family law cases to civil lawsuits, they have the legal knowledge and expertise needed to help you navigate the path ahead. Visit their website to learn more about their team, and call (907) 456-4020 to schedule an initial consultation.