I’m sorry if this isn’t the right spot for this. I looked through past posts but didn’t find anything.
I live in Georgia now. I moved here from North Dakota after asking the court to officially recognize me as my daughter’s father. Her mother is disagreeing. My daughter is 2 and a half years old. This is my second lawyer, and neither has done this kind of case before. So, they don’t know how to make a plan for how we’ll share parenting.
I just need some help getting started. Like, what usually goes into a plan like this.
Yes, you can find sample parenting plans online from various legal and family law websites. They typically outline custody schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and other arrangements for co-parenting after separation or divorce.
I went through something similar myself. When I moved to Georgia and needed a parenting plan, I found that the basics include where your daughter will live, visitation schedules, holidays, and how you’ll handle decisions about her upbringing. My lawyer suggested we focus on what’s best for my child, keeping things flexible but clear.
It’s important to include details like pick-up/drop-off times and who covers which expenses. Since you’re in a tricky spot with your daughter’s mother disagreeing, try to keep communication open and think about mediation if needed.
A parenting plan includes custody arrangements, visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, communication methods, and financial support. A clear plan ensures the child’s well-being and helps co-parents avoid conflicts. Here’s a simplified example:
Sample Parenting Plan
1. Parent and Child Information
Parent 1: [Your Name]
Parent 2: [Co-Parent’s Name]
Child(ren): [Child’s Name(s)] (Birthdate)
2. Custody Arrangements
Choose what works for you:
Legal Custody:
Sole Legal Custody: One parent makes major decisions (healthcare, education, religion).
Joint Legal Custody: Both parents share decision-making.
Physical Custody:
Sole Physical Custody: Child lives mainly with one parent; the other has visitation rights.
Joint Physical Custody: Both parents share significant time with the child.
3. Visitation Schedule
Detail when the child will be with each parent, including weekends, holidays, and vacations.
4. Decision-Making Authority
Decide how major decisions will be made:
Joint Decision-Making: Both parents decide together.
Designated Decision-Maker: One parent decides on specific areas.
5. Communication Methods
Outline how parents will stay in touch about the child:
Phone Calls: Set frequency and times.
Email: Provide email addresses.
Parenting App: Specify if using one.
6. Child’s Well-Being
Cover the child’s needs, such as:
Healthcare: Insurance, doctor visits, emergency care.
Education: School choice, activities.
Religion: If applicable.
7. Financial Support
Discuss child support and expense sharing.
8. Dispute Resolution
Include a way to handle disagreements, like mediation.
A judge must approve the parenting plan. Customize it to fit your situation. You can use a free templatehere for reference.
