A good co-parenting relationship is achievable when parents have a good attitude and commitment to put their children first. Additionally they will also need a solid, well-thought-out plan.
Having children together means that you and your ex are going to be part of each other’s lives for a very long time. Therefore it is so important for exes to consider working together to develop a set of written guidelines and expectations (parenting plan) for raising your children together. After all, co – parenting is much like being business partners, and you’d never run a business with someone you didn’t communicate with.
Consider your parenting plan to be a road map that will direct how the children will be raised after separation or divorce. Such a plan is incredibly detailed, and the purpose of the detail is to limit any potential conflict between the parents moving forward. A parenting plan makes life easier for both the parents and the children as it creates stability and predictability for all family members.
In accordance with the Children’s Act, parents or other holders of responsibilities and rights towards the children , who are in conflict regarding the exercise of these rights and responsibilities, should first attempt to mediate their differences with the assistance of a suitably qualified professional, before approaching the court for assistance. A parenting plan can be mediated with the help of the Family Advocate, Psychologist, Social Worker or Family Mediator. As I am a mediator as well, this is a service I offer to my clients.
The Act also specifies that the voice of the child should be heard. The child must therefore be given an opportunity to air his/her views and the content of the parenting plan must be explained to him/her . The age and maturity of each child will to be taken into consideration when hearing the voice of the child.
Furthermore, according to the Children’s Act, all decisions that are made regarding the children need to adhere to the “best interest of the child” standard. This simply means that all decisions that are made regarding the child need to be in the best interest of the child.
What is dealt with in the Parenting Plan?
- living arrangements of the child
- maintenance for the child
- contact between the child and the other parent or any other significant person
- schooling
- religious upbringing
- emergency protocol
- discipline
- anything else that may of importance to the parents
- I will consult with the parents and explore all elements of family life and assist the parents in coming to an agreement that all members of the family can live with.
- It is extremely important that children have frequent contact with both parents, and a parenting plan will assist with such contact running smoothly and create a sense of stability and consistency for the children.
- The parenting plan can furthermore be reviewed and amended as circumstances change.
Contact us today to have your parenting plan drafted and create a stress free environment for your family.