This is a highly emotional issue as it may be difficult to discuss where your child(ren) will spend their time. We will work with you to come up with a parenting plan that addresses your concerns while also taking into account what is in your child’s best interests as viewed by the Court.

Courts require a parenting plan in all cases involving minor children. A parenting plan will establish, among other things, where and when the child will live with each parent and the responsibilities of each parent.

In developing a responsible parenting plan, we will review with you the following factors which the Court will rely upon.

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[list_item]The ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the timesharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required.[/list_item]

[list_item]The ability of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent.[/list_item]

[list_item]The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.[/list_item]

[list_item]The geographic viability of the parenting plan, with special attention paid to the needs of school-age children and the amount of time to be spent traveling to effectuate the parenting plan. This factor does not create a presumption for or against relocation of either parent with a child.[/list_item]

[list_item]The moral fitness of the parents.[/list_item]

[list_item]The mental and physical health of the parents.[/list_item]

[list_item]The home, school, and community record of the child.[/list_item]

[list_item]The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference.[/list_item]

[list_item]The involvement of each parent in the circumstances of the minor child, including, but not limited to, the child’s friends, teachers, medical care providers, daily activities, and favorite things.[/list_item]

[list_item]The ability of each parent to provide a consistent routine for the child, such as discipline, and daily schedules for homework, meals, and bedtime.[/list_item]

[list_item]The ability of each parent to communicate with and keep the other parent informed of issues and activities regarding the minor child, and the willingness of each parent to adopt a unified front on all major issues when dealing with the child.[/list_item]

[list_item]Evidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect.[/list_item]

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We can help create a plan that is for you and your child’s best interests.

For more details on this or other family law issues, check out our FAQs or our Blog.

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Call  [icon image=”phone” size=”small” cont=”no” align=”right”]813-877-HELP (4357)
to schedule a FREE initial consultation.