A parenting plan is a document that divorced and separated parents make to ensure that their children will be cared for when the parents are no longer together. The plan contains all of the information that the parents need for providing for and caring for he children. A big part of the plan is the schedule that shows when the child is with each parent. This schedule is called the custody schedule, and it is one of the most important parts of the plan. To help parents make this vital section, here is a template to follow to make the custody schedule.
The first part of the template requires that the parents decide who the child will live with. Parents can choose to have the child live primarily with one parent, or the parents can both have times when the child lives with them. This decision should be based on what is best for the child. Where the child lives determines how the custody schedule will be set up.
After the residence of the child is determined, the parents can make a repeating cycle of custody and visitation. Basically, the mother and father should make a schedule for a few weeks that outlines when the child will be with each parent. Then, the parents take this short schedule and repeat it throughout the year. This is the foundation for the custody schedule.
The next part of the template is the holiday schedule. The holiday schedule overrides the normal custody schedule and shows where the child will be on those special days. The mother and father can choose to include whatever holidays they want, and they can divide holiday time in whatever way works best for their situation. Some parents like to split the day of the holiday in half, while other parents like to alternate holidays. Again, this schedule should be made with the child’s benefit in mind.
Lastly, the parents should add vacation time and special events into the schedule. Parents can mark in time when the mother and father can take the child on vacation. The mother and father can also mark in special times when the normal custody schedule has to change.
By following this template, a mother and father can make a good custody schedule for their parenting plan. If parents take the time to make a good schedule from the start, it can save a lot of hassle later on. A good schedule can also help the child adjust to the new circumstances.