Creating a workable plan for parenting your children after a divorce is essential to promote the most stable environment for these little ones. Divorce can be stressful for every member of your family. Finding the right ways to work together can help you, your former spouse and your children to navigate the situation more successfully. Here are four key considerations to keep in mind when working on your parenting plan.
Scheduling
Coming up with a schedule for when children will be with you and when they will be staying with your former partner can be difficult. Planning for holidays, summer vacations and other events should usually occur well in advance. This will give both you and your former partner time to make the appropriate arrangements for taking care of your children.
Don’t overlook grandparents and extended family when making these plans. By integrating them into the schedule, you can help your children create closer ties with these important parts of your family.
Managing Finances
Money should also be a part of your parenting plan. Raising children is not an inexpensive proposition. Discussing who will pay for what in an open and honest way can help you and your co-parent reach equitable arrangements that reflect your personal financial situation and the needs of your children.
Things to include in these discussions include the following:
- Health insurance coverage and medical expenses
- Costs associated with physical or psychological therapy
- Tuition and fees for school, including school supplies and field trip expenses
- Equipment for sports activities
- Clothing and shoes
- Contributions to an educational fund
- Electronics, including laptops, tablets and other items needed for school
While any child support will have likely been determined by the courts in California, discussing how and when these payments will be delivered can also be a part of your overall financial plan for parenting your children together.
Communicating With Your Former Partner and Your Children
It may be difficult to maintain cordial and friendly lines of communication with your co-parent after a divorce. Making a plan that includes the preferred methods of communication both on a regular basis and in emergencies can take some of the stress out of these situations. You should also include general instructions on how to reach your children when they are with the other parent. Knowing where your children are and how to touch base with them can help you feel more confident when planning your co-parenting strategy.
Dealing With Emergencies
One of the most important elements of your plan for co-parenting your children will be an outline of how to handle emergencies when they arise. A broken arm or leg, an unexpected transportation breakdown or a death in the family can be managed more effectively if you have both a primary and secondary backup plan for these situations. If you have trusted family members living nearby, you can include them in these discussions to ensure that all goes smoothly when these emergencies occur.
Working with your attorney to iron out the legal aspects of your parenting plan can ensure the best results for all parties involved. Your lawyer is a great resource for information and guidance when planning to co-parent your children after a divorce in California.