By: Christina Pashou, Esq.
A parenting plan outlines the obligations and arrangements you have agreed upon with your former spouse regarding how you intend to raise your child(ren). Alone, a parenting plan is not considered a legal document. However, when incorporated into your Separation Agreement, the parenting plan becomes a court order, enforceable by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Parenting plans can be as flexible or as rigid as needed.
Developing a parenting plan is generally a joint effort between the parents and the Court, and will take many things into consideration including, but not limited to:
- The child(ren)’s emotional and developmental state, including the child(ren)’s age;
- The current parenting skills of each parent;
- Availability and location of each parent; and
- Existing relationships between the parents and child(ren).
Parenting plans are not one size fits all. Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school aged children, and teenagers all have different needs when it comes to parenting. Therefore, while it is impossible to plan for every potential contingency in your parenting plan, it is essential that you outline your agreed-upon living arrangements, as well as your commitments regarding base parenting time (regular weekday), holidays, and vacations. Having a detailed parenting plan will help streamline any issues moving forward regarding which parent your child(ren) are scheduled to have parenting time with.
It is also important to incorporate the developmental needs of your child(ren).
This includes the developmental, psychological, physical, social, and emotional needs of the child(ren), at the time of your divorce and afterwards. Furthermore, you should incorporate any special needs of each child (i.e. medical, developmental disorders, psychological/ behavioral disorders); these are often overlooked if you, as the parent, do not seek to address such particular issues. Keep in mind that as your child(ren) grows, the parenting plan can be modified based on what is in your child(ren)’s best interest.
Working with your spouse to mold a parenting plan that will best suit your child(ren)’s needs should be a joint effort between you and your spouse. By having a parenting plan, the relationship between you, your former spouse and your child(ren) will become solidified. As parents, you and your former spouse, will then have the ability and clarity to see the importance of your respective roles as a parent, which is doing more than spending time with the child(ren), but truly taking part in raising them.
Christina Pashou, Esq. -Best Boston Divorce Lawyer
To speak with a lawyer about divorce or other family law matter, contact Mavrides Law in Boston, Newton, or Quincy, MA. To schedule an initial consultation, call 617-723-9900 or contact the firm at info@mavrideslaw.com
