Creating a parenting plan is an essential step when going through a divorce or legal separation in San Diego, especially when minor children are involved. A parenting plan ensures that both parents understand their responsibilities and helps provide stability for children during a challenging time. Our experienced family law attorneys at The Law Office of Doppelt and Forney, APLC can help you develop a comprehensive parenting plan that addresses all important aspects of child custody and parenting.
Divorce is difficult, but divorce can be even more difficult when there are minor children involved. In divorce, the couple should always consider what is in the best interest of the child.
Why You Need a Parenting Plan in San Diego
A parenting plan should address all the important issues relating to the parenting of your child through the divorce. An experienced divorce attorney, like the attorneys at Doppelt and Forney, APLC, are well-versed in drafting parenting plans that include all the necessary items.
Even if a couple is amicable, a parenting plan needs to be in place, in case of emergency. It is also always important to have things in writing.
For a couple who cannot agree on decisions regarding their children, a divorce lawyer is especially important. A divorce lawyer can negotiate with the opposing party and help craft a parenting plan that both parties can agree on.
Legal vs. Physical Custody in Your Parenting Plan
Generally, a parenting plan addresses legal custody issues as well as physical custody issues. Physical custody relates to where the children live, and how they spend their time. Legal custody issues relate to who makes important decisions regarding topics like education, religion, and medical care.
Schedules, Holidays, and Weekends
The following are issues that may need to be addressed in your parenting plan:
-Schedules with both parents, including weekends.
-Holidays.
-Weekends.
-Overnight stays
-Discipline methods
-Child care
-Internet/Cell phone access
-Guidelines to dating new partners
-School break schedules
-Vaccinations
-Communication methods
-Curfews
-Education
-Health decisions
-and more.
A parenting plan is not only meant to help the parents, but help the children understand what to expect. Keep in mind, all children have different needs, so there is no one-size-fit-all parenting plan. You should adjust your parenting plan to ensure it fits the needs of your children.
Your parenting plan will become a court order once it is signed by both parents and the Judge, and filed with the Court.
How San Diego Family Law Attorneys Can Help
You can trust The Law Office of Doppelt and Forney, APLC to assist you with your parenting plan. Our law office practices in all aspects of family law including child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support, attorney fees, and more.
We offer a free consultation where you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney. At the consultation, the attorney will provide you with legal analysis of your issues and provide you with techniques to help obtain your legal goals and protect your rights. If you were to hire our firm to represent you in your family law case, we are a full-service family law firm. Call today to learn how we can help you.
Call Doppelt and Forney, APLC for a free consultation at 866-692-3367 for assistance with your divorce, legal separation or paternity case. We represent clients in family law court in all the court houses in San Diego County including downtown, Vista, Chula Vista and El Cajon. We proudly serve clients in San Diego and surrounding communities, including Chula Vista, Coronado, Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Jolla, Oceanside, Ramona, San Marcos, and Vista.