As a parent seeking a Pasadena divorce, you'll be asked to create a parenting plan that shows that you and your ex are committed to working together to raise your children.
Your parenting plan should include details about:
- Child custody
- Visitation schedules for the noncustodial parent
- Parenting time-share over the holidays
- A plan for handling custody and visitation during birthdays
- Changes that will be made to the standard schedule during summer vacation and other school breaks
- A procedure for negotiating changes to the parenting plan
- How you want to handle relocation requests
- A plan for maintaining contact with the child's extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins
- Rules for introducing children to new romantic partners
- Child care arrangements, including a decision on if you'll call each other first when a babysitter is needed
- Transportation arrangements to and from visitation with the noncustodial parent
- Any anticipated changes to the plan that will be needed as your children become older and more independent
Your parenting plan can also include information about important house rules regarding:
- Car seat requirements
- Vaccinations, if one of you feels strongly about deviating from the accepted schedule
- Accommodating special dietary needs for children who have allergies
- Curfews
- Internet use, including policies for social media such as Facebook and Twitter
- Cell phone use
- R-rated movies and/or M-rated video games
- Preferred methods of discipline
- Religious instruction
- Policies for participating in extracurricular activities, such as requiring that the children maintain a certain GPA to be allowed to play sports
The goal of a parenting plan is to create a safe, consistent environment for the child. Written guidelines for how to handle key issues prevent further confusion and misunderstanding between the custodial and noncustodial parent.
How Can We Help?
Please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com if you are in need of assistance with a child custody related issue. Our skilled Pasadena family law attorneys are eager to advocate for you and your children within the state's family court system.