Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan


Creating a Successful Parenting Plan

Whether or not divorce law in your state requires one, a parenting plan can help ensure a smooth transition between parents and children during divorce. A parenting plan has yet to become a requirement in many states when parents opt to divorce and must deal with shared parenting. Although this is the case, it is beneficial for all parties to develop a plan of this type when it comes to child custody. By having this plan in place, everyone knows what to expect and disputes are minimized.

Children need to know what to expect, especially during a divorce, and this plan helps to ensure that everything from visitation to schedule changes will be something that parents agree on. If the child has a question, he or she will receive the same answer from either parent based on this plan.

What should be included in a plan of this type?:

  • The names and contact information of both parents (unless a court order states this information is to be kept confidential), along with the name of all children the plan will cover
  • The jurisdiction in which the plan has been put into place
  • Parental responsibility: shared, sole, or shared with decision making authority
  • Extra-curricular activities: who may place the child or children in these activities, transportation to and from the activities, and who pays for uniforms, equipment, and registration fees
  • Information sharing for medical and school records
  • Which schedule will be followed for visitation and time sharing
  • Definition of academic breaks, holiday breaks, and other changes to the normal visitation schedule
  • Transportation and exchange of child or children, costs, foreign and out-of-state travel should be covered
  • Education
  • Communication between parents
  • Communication between parents and child or children
  • Child care
  • Relocation
  • Disputes or conflict resolution
  • Changes or modifications of the plan
  • Special occasions
  • Special considerations
  • Anything else the parents feel need to be included in the plan

When developing this parenting plan, the top consideration must always be the best interests of any children involved. All factors must be taken into consideration though. This includes the relationship history of the parents, any domestic violence that occurred, and things of that nature. Mental and physical health of the parents, consistency in routines, and moral fitness are also considered.

The more detailed the plan, the easier it will be for all parties to work together and communicate. The items mentioned above are not all inclusive. If either party feels other information needs to be detailed in the plan, he or she may request it be added. US Legal Forms has state-specific parenting plans that are professionally designed and easily filled out in Word format. A divorce is very difficult. Having a plan of this type often makes the process a little easier.

Top Questions about Joint Custody And Shared Parenting Plan

  • Is there a difference between shared custody and joint custody?

    Yes, there is a difference between shared custody and joint custody, although they are often used interchangeably. Shared custody typically emphasizes the physical time the child spends with each parent, while joint custody encompasses legal rights regarding decision-making. Understanding this distinction can help parents create a more effective Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan that addresses both physical and legal responsibilities.

  • What is the difference between joint custody and shared parenting?

    Joint custody and shared parenting both involve parents sharing responsibilities for their child, but they have distinct meanings. Joint custody pertains to legal rights and responsibilities, while shared parenting focuses on the day-to-day care and time spent with the child. Parents can have joint custody without a true shared parenting experience, where one parent may take on a more significant role. A comprehensive Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan can help ensure a balanced approach.

  • What is a disadvantage of a joint custody agreement?

    A joint custody agreement can create difficulties if one parent fails to comply with the terms. This non-compliance can disrupt the child's routine and emotional stability. Additionally, if parents live far apart, logistical challenges may arise, impacting the child's access to both parents. Implementing a well-structured Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan can mitigate these issues.

  • What are the disadvantages of joint legal custody?

    One disadvantage of joint legal custody is the potential for conflict between parents over decision-making. Disagreements can arise regarding important issues like education, healthcare, or religious upbringing. This situation can lead to stress for both parents and children if not managed well. Using a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan can help parents navigate these challenges by providing clear guidelines.

  • Is co-parenting the same as joint custody?

    Co-parenting and joint custody often overlap, but they are not identical. Joint custody refers specifically to a legal arrangement regarding a child's living and decision-making responsibilities between parents. Co-parenting, on the other hand, focuses more on how parents work together to raise their child, regardless of their custody arrangement. Therefore, while joint custody can involve co-parenting, co-parenting can also exist without formal joint custody.

  • What is the biggest mistake in a custody battle?

    One of the biggest mistakes in a custody battle is failing to prioritize the children's best interests in a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan. Some parents may focus too much on their own desires, which can negatively impact the children's emotional health. Additionally, not being willing to cooperate with the other parent can lead to ongoing conflict, which the children often feel. Utilizing platforms like uslegalforms can help parents create effective custody agreements that put children first.

  • What is the most popular joint custody schedule?

    The 2-2-3 schedule often stands out as the most popular choice in a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan. In this arrangement, the children spend two days with one parent, two days with the other, and then have a three-day weekend with one of the parents. This schedule provides a balanced approach, allowing children to maintain a close relationship with both parents. It also offers predictability, which is beneficial for children's emotional well-being.

  • What does a father need to get joint custody?

    To obtain joint custody, a father must demonstrate his ability to provide a stable environment for the child. This involves showing active participation in the child's life, including involvement in education and extracurricular activities. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child when considering a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan, so proving reliability and commitment is essential. Utilizing resources from US Legal Forms can guide fathers in preparing necessary legal documents, ensuring they meet all requirements for joint custody.

  • Is shared parenting the same as shared custody?

    Shared parenting and shared custody generally refer to the same concept of both parents sharing time and decision-making responsibilities for their child. However, shared parenting often emphasizes the collaborative parenting aspect. It’s important to draft a comprehensive Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan that clarifies each parent's role and responsibilities.

  • What are the rules for joint custody in Ohio?

    Joint custody in Ohio requires both parents to agree on major decisions affecting their child’s life, including education and healthcare. Courts typically focus on the child's best interests when determining custody arrangements. Following the guidelines set forth to create a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan can help parents establish clear and cooperative roles.

Tips for Preparing Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan

  1. Carefully choose a state to file for dissolution of marriage. Some states offer more favorable conditions for a divorcing person than others regarding laws, ease of submitting, and expenses. Nevertheless, before drafting Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan, you must check whether you meet the residency requirements of the respective state. Also, you need to take into account that if you file for divorce first in the chosen state, this state , as a rule, takes jurisdiction over the legal proceedings.
  2. Research your funds and outstanding debts. To actually get the fair share after your dissolution of marriage, you need to know better what you and your spouse owe and own mutually and individually. The court requires both parties to disclose where a couple stands financially and send these details along with other divorce papers.
  3. Think about funds and property division and child custody with your spouse beforehand. As long as you agree on everything, you can suggest it in the marital resolution agreement and move forward with an uncontested divorce. It’s far less costly and more peaceful in comparison to a contested. You can find all the needed forms, such as Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan required for an uncontested divorce in the US Legal Forms catalog.
  4. Proceed with preparing divorce paperwork. The dissolution process is started as soon as you file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Depending on your situation, you might need to provide more papers down the road. You can find the required divorce documents and information on creating Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan using US Legal Forms and its straightforward purchase option. Based on your answers, the system will prepare the state- and case-specific forms for you.