So you’ve decided to separate and want to get a divorce, now you have to work out what’s going to happen with your children. A parenting plan is an agreement between the parents about the arrangements for their children after separation.
This can be a daunting process, not only for you, but also for your children. “Where will we live? When will we see mum and dad? When will we see our friends? Do we go to the same school?” These are questions that need to be answered.
Often the best people to decide what arrangements are made for your children are you as their parents. Mediation is the process in which you as parents can sit down with a neutral third party (the mediator) to best decide how to move forward with arrangements for your children.
When making arrangements for your children, it is paramount to put your child’s best interests at the forefront of your mind. This means setting aside the hurt and frustration involved in the breakdown of your relationship and focusing on what your children need moving forward. Even though your adult romantic relationship has ended, a new co-parenting relationship will begin between you as the parents.
Things that both parents need to think about when making a parenting plan
Take time to consider what the care of your children looks like in the future. Both the parents housing, work, transportation and time off will play a big part in creating a workable parenting plan together. Ask yourself the following questions to get clearer understanding.
Where will the children live?
- Will the children live with mum, with dad or in a shared type basis. Is this practical considering where each parent now lives and where your child’s school is?
How will the children spend time with each parent?
- Eg weekends, afterschool sporting activities, midweek or overnight.
Where will the children spend Christmas and Easter each year?
- Is it alternative years with the children or Christmas and Easter split between the two homes?
How will the children spend their birthdays?
- How will they see their parents, taking into account schooling and distance from either parent’s home?
How will you implement changeover with the children?
- Will you do this at school or at a neutral location such as a park or shopping center? Will one parent pick up and the other drop off the children?
How will the children spend time with each parent in the school holidays?
- Will you share the holiday time or will you alternate? Will your work effect your decision?
Parenting Plans are a great way for parents to make arrangements for their children. They can be changed easily to accommodate the changing needs of the children and they are also a good starting point for parents beginning their co parenting relationship.
Mediation has successfully helped hundreds of thousands of families successfully negotiate and make arrangements regarding their children without the need of lawyers and cost the court proceedings.
At Mediation GC we can assist you in making a parenting plan that works for you and your family, contact us to make an appointment.
