If you are divorced or were never married to your child’s other parent, a parenting plan can help protect your rights and ensure the best interests of your child are met. A parenting plan can also establish a set of guidelines so that each parent clearly understands their roles and responsibilities in parenting —and disputes can be avoided. At Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, our parenting plan lawyer team has extensive experience negotiating, drafting, and enforcing parenting plans. We will work with you to find creative solutions that meet the needs of your family and allow your child to thrive.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a written agreement entered into between parents that becomes a binding order once it has been signed by a judge. It outlines the custody arrangement and specifies how important decisions will be made about the child’s upbringing. Even if both parents are able to get along, it’s still best to have a written plan in place in the event any disagreements occur in the future.

A good parenting plan allows both parents to be involved in their child’s life. It takes all major issues that may arise into consideration and helps ensure consistency for the child. Importantly, a strong parenting plan not only addresses the child’s daily activities, but it should also help parents plan for the long-term.

What are the Elements of a Successful Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is not a one-size-fits-all document. Every parenting plan must be specifically tailored to the family’s situation and the needs of the child. While the foundation of every plan is the custody schedule, it should address all aspects of parenting — and be tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, and routines. The more specific your plan is, the less likely you will have to return to court.

A comprehensive parenting plan should address the following:

  • The parenting time and visitation schedule
  • The schedule for holidays, vacations, and special occasions
  • The financial responsibilities of each parent
  • How and where custody exchanges will take place
  • How major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing will be made
  • Guidelines for communication
  • How healthcare and medical decisions will be made
  • Methods of alternative dispute resolution
  • The child’s religious upbringing
  • Discipline at the homes of each parent
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Rules regarding screen time
  • How the child will be introduced to a parent’s new partner
  • Travel and transportation

Parents must follow the parenting plan once it has been ordered by the court. However, the plan should also allow for flexibility in the event that there are unforeseen circumstances. At Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, we work closely with parents to create customized parenting plans that account for all possible situations that may arise. We take the time to become familiar with your family’s unique needs and can help you implement proactive measures that minimize the potential for conflict.

Can You Change a Parenting Plan?

Family circumstances and a child’s needs can evolve over time. A well-drafted parenting plan should have a provision in place regarding how a child’s changing needs should be addressed as they grow older. If there is a substantial change in circumstances for either parent or the child, a parent may file a petition with the court requesting a modification. The court would consider whether changing the parenting plan is in the best interests of the child.

However, it isn’t always necessary to seek court intervention to modify a parenting plan. Parents can reach an agreement by using mediation or the collaborative process — taking this approach can help to settle any disputes amicably and preserve the co-parenting relationship. When both parents consent to the changes, they can submit a written agreement to the court for approval.

Whether you and your co-parent are contentious or on good terms, our attorneys can guide you through the process of modifying your parenting plan. We will evaluate your case and determine if a form of alternative dispute resolution is a viable option. Our parenting plan lawyer team has decades of experience handling issues related to parenting time and parenting plans. We are adept at both litigating these matters and assisting parties with resolving them peacefully outside the courtroom.

Learn How Our Maryland Family Law Attorneys Can Help

It can feel overwhelming to create a parenting plan that will work for your family — and you may not know where to begin. At Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, we provide knowledgeable representation and compassionate counsel to help our clients create parenting plans that will satisfy the best interests of their children. We invite you to contact us online or call (240) 222-5652 to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you with your parenting time matter.