Using a sample to create a parenting plan

If you are a divorced or separated parent, you need a parenting plan. It may be necessary, if you are in the midst of a heated custody battle, to make a temporary plan. However, once you're done, you should make a permanent one. It can be difficult to make an effective parenting plan from scratch. Because of this, it may be beneficial for you to look at examples, templates, and even use a sample plan to help you create your own. Let's take a look at what a sample parenting plan will include. A good sample or template should have sections to:

Legal custody: This is the decision-making responsibility that parents have over their children. You and the other parent must decide how decisions will be made and must indicate whether joint or exclusive legal custody was awarded. In a joint custody situation, both parents have the responsibility to make important decisions for the children. In a sole custody situation, only one parent has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the children.
Physical custody: This is the actual physical time parents have with their children. If you share joint physical custody, you should have a schedule that reflects that. If you have sole physical custody or if the other parent has sole physical custody, your schedule should also reflect this. You must have a daily schedule, as well as schedules for holidays, vacations, special events, and school breaks.
Dental and medical care: Your children's medical and dental care is important. You should have information about your primary care providers, which parent attends appointments, how health insurance, premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses are paid, and what to do in the event of a medical emergency. If any of your children have special medical conditions or needs, that information should also be included.
Education: Your children's education is important. If they are still young and in elementary school or getting closer to college, you should have a plan for each of them. This should include school activities and functions, where they attend school and any learning disabilities or special needs they may have.
Finances: Information about child support and other expenses must be detailed. This should include information about when and how much child support is paid, and which parent pays it. You should also have information about additional expenses, such as sports fees, extracurricular activity costs, and any other parenting expenses.
Communication with Parenting Plan: You need a plan to communicate with the other parent. Whether by phone, email, instant message, text message, or video chat, this needs to be explained. In addition, you should describe parent meeting times to discuss your children's activities and behaviors. It may also be a good idea to keep a record of children's lives so that each parent knows what is happening.
Plan Changes and Dispute Resolution: There needs to be a plan on how changes to your parenting plan will be made if needed. You must also have a way to resolve parent disputes.
Additional provisions or rules: If there is anything else you think is necessary to improve your situation, it should be included. Additional guidelines such as the right of first rejection must be included to make the plan more effective.