Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan - Parenting Plan Template


Creating a Successful Parenting Plan Parenting Plan Sample

Whether or not divorce law in your state requires one, a parenting plan can help ensure a smooth transition between parents and children during divorce. A parenting plan has yet to become a requirement in many states when parents opt to divorce and must deal with shared parenting. Although this is the case, it is beneficial for all parties to develop a plan of this type when it comes to child custody. By having this plan in place, everyone knows what to expect and disputes are minimized.

Children need to know what to expect, especially during a divorce, and this plan helps to ensure that everything from visitation to schedule changes will be something that parents agree on. If the child has a question, he or she will receive the same answer from either parent based on this plan.

What should be included in a plan of this type?:

  • The names and contact information of both parents (unless a court order states this information is to be kept confidential), along with the name of all children the plan will cover
  • The jurisdiction in which the plan has been put into place
  • Parental responsibility: shared, sole, or shared with decision making authority
  • Extra-curricular activities: who may place the child or children in these activities, transportation to and from the activities, and who pays for uniforms, equipment, and registration fees
  • Information sharing for medical and school records
  • Which schedule will be followed for visitation and time sharing
  • Definition of academic breaks, holiday breaks, and other changes to the normal visitation schedule
  • Transportation and exchange of child or children, costs, foreign and out-of-state travel should be covered
  • Education
  • Communication between parents
  • Communication between parents and child or children
  • Child care
  • Relocation
  • Disputes or conflict resolution
  • Changes or modifications of the plan
  • Special occasions
  • Special considerations
  • Anything else the parents feel need to be included in the plan

When developing this parenting plan, the top consideration must always be the best interests of any children involved. All factors must be taken into consideration though. This includes the relationship history of the parents, any domestic violence that occurred, and things of that nature. Mental and physical health of the parents, consistency in routines, and moral fitness are also considered.

The more detailed the plan, the easier it will be for all parties to work together and communicate. The items mentioned above are not all inclusive. If either party feels other information needs to be detailed in the plan, he or she may request it be added. US Legal Forms has state-specific parenting plans that are professionally designed and easily filled out in Word format. A divorce is very difficult. Having a plan of this type often makes the process a little easier.

Top Questions about Parenting Plan Modification

  • What is the biggest mistake in a custody battle?

    One of the biggest mistakes in a custody battle is failing to prioritize the children's best interests in a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan. Some parents may focus too much on their own desires, which can negatively impact the children's emotional health. Additionally, not being willing to cooperate with the other parent can lead to ongoing conflict, which the children often feel. Utilizing platforms like uslegalforms can help parents create effective custody agreements that put children first.

  • What is the most popular joint custody schedule?

    The 2-2-3 schedule often stands out as the most popular choice in a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan. In this arrangement, the children spend two days with one parent, two days with the other, and then have a three-day weekend with one of the parents. This schedule provides a balanced approach, allowing children to maintain a close relationship with both parents. It also offers predictability, which is beneficial for children's emotional well-being.

  • What does a father need to get joint custody?

    To obtain joint custody, a father must demonstrate his ability to provide a stable environment for the child. This involves showing active participation in the child's life, including involvement in education and extracurricular activities. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child when considering a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan, so proving reliability and commitment is essential. Utilizing resources from US Legal Forms can guide fathers in preparing necessary legal documents, ensuring they meet all requirements for joint custody.

  • Is shared parenting the same as shared custody?

    Shared parenting and shared custody generally refer to the same concept of both parents sharing time and decision-making responsibilities for their child. However, shared parenting often emphasizes the collaborative parenting aspect. It’s important to draft a comprehensive Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan that clarifies each parent's role and responsibilities.

  • What are the rules for joint custody in Ohio?

    Joint custody in Ohio requires both parents to agree on major decisions affecting their child’s life, including education and healthcare. Courts typically focus on the child's best interests when determining custody arrangements. Following the guidelines set forth to create a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan can help parents establish clear and cooperative roles.

  • What are the downsides of joint custody?

    While joint custody promotes shared responsibility, it can present challenges such as scheduling conflicts between parents. Communication issues might arise if parents struggle to coordinate their parenting styles. Understanding the potential downsides can help you design an effective Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan using resources from US Legal Forms.

  • How does joint custody work in Ohio?

    In Ohio, joint custody allows both parents to share legal and physical responsibility for their child. This arrangement enables parents to make significant decisions together about their child's upbringing. Establishing a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan ensures that both parents remain involved and communicate effectively regarding their child’s needs.

  • Can one parent keep a child from the other parent without court orders in Ohio?

    No, one parent cannot keep a child from the other parent without valid court orders in Ohio. Doing so may violate the existing custody agreements or parenting plan. If you're facing such a situation, it's advisable to consult legal resources or services like US Legal Forms to create a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan that protects everyone’s rights.

  • What is the best parenting schedule for joint custody?

    The best parenting schedule for joint custody varies based on the child's needs and parents' circumstances. Typically, a balanced approach works best, where both parents share time and responsibilities fairly. Creating a Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan that accommodates school schedules, extracurricular activities, and holidays can help maintain stability for the child.

Tips for Preparing Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan

  1. Carefully choose a state to file for dissolution of marriage. Some states offer more favorable conditions for a divorcing person than others regarding laws, ease of submitting, and expenses. Nevertheless, before drafting Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan, you must check whether you meet the residency requirements of the respective state. Also, you need to take into account that if you file for divorce first in the chosen state, this state , as a rule, takes jurisdiction over the legal proceedings.
  2. Research your funds and outstanding debts. To actually get the fair share after your dissolution of marriage, you need to know better what you and your spouse owe and own mutually and individually. The court requires both parties to disclose where a couple stands financially and send these details along with other divorce papers.
  3. Think about funds and property division and child custody with your spouse beforehand. As long as you agree on everything, you can suggest it in the marital resolution agreement and move forward with an uncontested divorce. It’s far less costly and more peaceful in comparison to a contested. You can find all the needed forms, such as Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan required for an uncontested divorce in the US Legal Forms catalog.
  4. Proceed with preparing divorce paperwork. The dissolution process is started as soon as you file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Depending on your situation, you might need to provide more papers down the road. You can find the required divorce documents and information on creating Joint Custody and Shared Parenting Plan using US Legal Forms and its straightforward purchase option. Based on your answers, the system will prepare the state- and case-specific forms for you.