Parenting Plan Attorney

Respected Lawyer Helping Develop Comprehensive Parenting Agreements in Richmond, VA and Several Surrounding Cities and Counties

Separating or divorcing parents often do not parent well together, and they may struggle to cooperate. Although Virginia does not require parenting plans, creating one can be an effective parenting tool. A parenting plan outlines various co-parenting guidelines and parenting time/visitation schedules that can reduce or eliminate arguments and confusion. When a parenting plan is a part of a child custody court order, it is enforceable.

Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, has over 45 years of legal experience, and we have helped many Virginia families create effective solutions for their unique situations. We work with families throughout the areas surrounding Richmond, including New Kent County, Goochland County, Hanover County, Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, and Henrico County. With our experience, we know which issues will need to be addressed in a parenting plan and how to structure your plan effectively. Our firm is well-known and respected for our personal approach to each case, but we are aggressive when we need to be. You can trust us to preserve your and your children's best interests.

What Comprehensive Parenting Plans Can Include

Think of a parenting plan as a handbook. It details various situations co-parents often encounter, outlines parental responsibilities, and explains what to do in specific circumstances. Parenting plans are especially helpful for co-parents who prefer minimal interactions with each other. Many parents and children can benefit from a well-structured plan. Your family's circumstances may indicate the need for additional provisions, but the following will typically be included:

Child Custody

Child custody arrangements should include legal and physical custody. If you and the other parent share decision-making authority, your plan can establish ground rules for which decisions will be individual or collaborative or even which parent may have the final decision-making authority.

Parenting Time

Parenting time and visitation refer to the time each child will spend with each parent. It is very important to consider your family's unique dynamics to create the best balance for your children.

Dispute Resolution

When co-parents disagree, having a method in place to resolve these disputes can simplify matters. If you share legal custody, one parent may have tie-breaking authority. In other cases, co-parents may choose to involve a mediator, a co-parenting counselor, or an attorney.

Child Support

One parent is likely to be required to pay child support to the other. Along with regular support a parenting plan should also consider other likely expenses, such as education, healthcare, childcare, and extracurricular activities. Putting these agreements in writing can resolve disputes before they become problems.

Healthcare

Health insurance may be an employment benefit for one or both parents. However, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses may also need to be addressed. A parenting plan can also specify whether one parent is responsible for taking children to appointments. Parents of children with special needs will often need to include more details in this section of their parenting plan to ensure that a child will receive the proper care.

Provisions and Changes Based on the Children's Ages

The needs of children change as they grow, and your parenting plan can be written to change as well. You can specify when these age-appropriate changes will go into effect in your parenting plan, rather than needing to modify your orders later.

Communications Between Co-Parents

Like it or not, you will need to communicate with the other parent about your children. A parenting plan can detail what kinds of situations warrant a discussion, such as a child's illness or getting into trouble at school. Your plan can specify whether you will communicate by text, email, phone, or in person.

Activities and Education

Parent-teacher conferences, selecting schools, transportation to school or other functions, and choosing whether you will allow your children to participate in various activities are all issues that may need to be addressed in your parenting plan. You can detail specific obligations that may apply to each parent and methods for making decisions about these issues.

General Parenting

Children need consistency. If you and your co-parent have drastically different parenting styles, your children could suffer. Your parenting plan can specify things like bedtimes, disciplinary methods, at what age your child can use social media, religious upbringing, and other guidelines.

Travel

You or your co-parent may take your children on trips or vacations. You may want to stipulate how much notice parents will be required to give, how communication will be handled, and other pertinent details.

Claiming Children as Dependents on Tax Returns

Only one parent can claim a child as their dependent on tax returns. Whether you alternate years, allow one parent to claim specific children every year, or come up with other arrangements, addressing this issue in your parenting plan will give you one less thing to worry about at tax time.

Call Our Parenting Plan Attorney Serving Richmond, Virginia and Other Nearby Cities and Counties

By reducing confusion and stress, you can make life easier for you and your children. Rely on Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, to help you develop a tailored parenting plan that both parents can agree to while protecting your best interests. Call us at 804-282-9226 or contact us online today to get started.