What Goes into an Effective Parenting Plan in Texas?
Are you a parent who is divorcing or separating in Texas? You need a parenting plan. Simply described, a parenting plan is a legal document that lays out the specific rights, responsibilities, and schedules for each parent. It provides an overview of the rights and responsibilities of each parent. The goal of a parenting plan is to promote stability, reduce conflict, and ensure the child’s best interests remain the top priority. In this article, our Houston parenting plan lawyer highlights the common elements of an effective parenting plan.
Clarity on Decision-Making Authority and the Decision-Making Process
Decision-making authority matters. A well-constructed parenting plan in Texas should clearly outline which parent has the right to make key decisions about the child’s health, education, religion, and other major issues. Texas allows for joint or sole managing conservatorship. The decision-making authority can be shared or it can be assigned to one parent. Parents should specify how decisions will be made and what process that will be used for doing so. Clarifying these issues ahead of time can help to reduce the risk of a serious conflict in the future.
A Detailed Schedule for Child Time-Sharing
As explained by the Attorney General of Texas, the key feature of all parenting plans is a parenting time-schedule. Every parenting plan should include a detailed time-sharing schedule that outlines when the child will be with each parent. In Texas, this includes specifying weekday, weekend, holiday, school break, and summer visitation. As a best practice the plan should be as specific as possible. You may want to include things like pick-up/drop-off times, pick-up/drop-off locations, and the responsibility for providing transportation.
A Plan for Parental Communication
How can divorced or separated parents co-parent effectively? Communication is key. Parents who can still communicate well regarding their children can co-parent well, even if they do not personally get along any longer. A parenting plan can help to facilitate communication that works. It should generally clarify how, when, and about what the parents will communicate. Whether through text, email, or a co-parenting app, it is important to establish a respectful, consistent channel for sharing information about the child’s well-being, school activities, and medical needs.
Provisions for Dispute Resolution
One of the central goals of a parenting plan is to reduce conflict. With that being said, there are also going to be unexpected issues that arise. Some degree of conflict between co-parents is almost inevitable. It is a good idea to include dispute resolution provisions within your parenting plan. The section of the document may outline the specific steps parents must take before resorting to litigation, encouraging peaceful problem-solving. Clear dispute resolution provisions save time, save money, reduce stress, and help to promote cooperation.
Call Our Houston, TX Parenting Plan Attorney Today
At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., our Houston child custody and visitation lawyers have extensive experience with parenting plans. If you have any questions or concerns about parenting plans, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. With an office in Houston, we provide family law representation throughout the region in Southeast Texas.
Source:
texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/families-and-parenting/parenting-time-overview/parenting-time-schedule
