California Parenting Plan

California Parenting Plan

Simplicity is key to an effective California co-parenting plan

When a California parent files for divorce, the weeks or months that follow will include ongoing legal proceedings. Even in situations where the spouses disagreed about almost everything in marriage, as parents, they both want what is best for the children and want their divorce to be as stress-free as possible for their kids’ sake. Keeping a co-parenting plan as simple as possible can help parents settle a divorce in a swift, amicable manner.

Children are better able to cope with divorce when there’s as little disruption to their daily lives as possible. While devising a co-parenting agreement, parents can discuss ways to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine while minimizing stress and disruption in both households. Agreeing to be consistent with household rules, for instance, means that kids know what is expected of them and don’t have to constantly switch from one set of rules to another.

Incorporate flexibility into a child custody plan

When parents work together to create a peaceful co-parenting plan, children have an easier time coming to terms with a divorce. To achieve this goal, parents will want to enlist outside support as needed. An example of this might be designating a person or people who are permitted to pick up kids at school or drive them to events if a parent has an unexpected issue arise and is unable to make it on time.

Asking older children for input regarding issues such as how to celebrate holidays or which parent should attend which school events helps simplify a co-parenting plan. It also lets kids know that their parents value their opinion and want to work out any issues as a family. As life changes and children grow, modifications to a child custody plan may be necessary. If a legal issue arises that a parent is unable to resolve, they may seek guidance from an experienced California family law attorney.