For a child of divorced parents, a consistent schedule is essential. In a divorce involving minor children, a parenting plan is a key component.
In Florida, divorcing parents who are sharing custody must develop a written parenting plan. If your divorce is amicable, you may question whether you truly need a formal plan. In addition to being a legal requirement, a parenting plan has many benefits for you and your children.
It helps you budget
Children lead busy lives with sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities. These activities can be expensive. On the parenting plan form, you can specify how you and your ex will split the cost of sports equipment, uniforms and other extracurricular expenses.
It helps you plan your schedule
Coordinating schedules between two households can be a nightmare, especially with multiple children, but it does not have to be. In your parenting plan, you can address scheduling issues such as:
- Your time-sharing schedule
- Where the kids will spend holidays and breaks
- Which child’s school calendar you will follow
- Where custody exchanges will occur
- Which parent is responsible for transportation
Having a written parenting schedule can make planning activities and vacations easier for both parents and avoid last-minute scheduling conflicts.
It gives your children peace of mind
When parents divorce, children are often anxious about changes in their family dynamics. A parenting plan allows you to establish clear expectations not only for yourselves but also for your kids. When your children do not have to wonder who will pick them up from school or where they will spend the next holiday, they can feel more at ease.
A parenting plan is an important tool to help you co-parent successfully and provide stability for your children during and after your divorce.
