Divorcing couples may go through a mix of stress and sadness as the marriage dissolves. Things may prove even more stressful when involved in Tennessee child custody matters. Regardless of personal feelings, parents could benefit their child by being amicable when setting up parenting plans. Proper parenting plan coordination can help make things work out more smoothly for everyone.
Putting together an appropriate parenting plan
A parenting plan allows both parents to devise the best way to take turns spending time with a child. Joint custody and visitation arrangements may require careful considerations. Imagine two parents with hectic work schedules. One parent may be on call or required to travel to many locations and work long hours. Another parent might have a long commute, and both have different days off. Figuring out visitation arrangements is necessary to ensure that their child is cared for.
A parenting plan might also examine and work out agreements on other matters. The selection of a school, issues with religious upbringing, payment details for hobbies and other elements could find their way into the plan.
Sometimes, the plan may consider more complicated matters. Neither ex-spouse may wish to speak or see one another again. Is there a third-party location that is agreeable and safe to pick up and drop off the child? Maybe a close friend’s house is acceptable.
Working with the court
Disagreements over parenting plans may require a decision from a judge to settle. Often, it is best for parents to come to workable agreements between themselves as a judge lacks the same level of familiarity that family members share. However, a court won’t likely agree to child custody and visitation arrangements that are not in the child’s best interests. Working with a family law attorney may help parents arrive at a viable plan.