I’m sorry if I’m not supposed to ask this here. I looked through past posts but couldn’t find anything.
I live in Georgia now. I moved here from North Dakota after asking the court to recognize me as the father. The mother is disagreeing; my daughter is 2 and a half years old. This is my second lawyer, and neither knows much about helping a father become recognized. So, they’re not sure how to make a plan for parenting.
I just need some help getting started - like a basic plan of what people usually put in these plans.
Don’t worry Jason Here’s a sample parenting plan that outlines the responsibilities and arrangements for co-parenting after separation or divorce. Keep in mind that this is a general template, and you should customize it to fit your specific situation:
Parenting Plan for [Child’s Name]
Introduction
This parenting plan outlines the agreements between [Parent 1’s Name] and [Parent 2’s Name] regarding the care, custody, and visitation of [Child’s Name]. Both parents are committed to providing a stable and loving environment for the child.
Legal Custody
Joint Legal Custody: Both parents will share decision-making authority regarding major issues related to the child’s upbringing, education, health, and religion.
Communication: Parents will communicate openly and consult each other on important decisions.
Physical Custody and Visitation
Primary Custody: [Parent 1’s Name] will have primary physical custody of the child.
Visitation Schedule: [Parent 2’s Name] will have visitation rights as follows:
Every other weekend from Friday evening to Sunday evening.
One weekday evening per week.
Alternating holidays and school breaks.
Transportation: Parents will share responsibility for transporting the child during visitation.
Communication
Regular Updates: Both parents will provide regular updates on the child’s well-being, school progress, and health.
Emergency Contact: Parents will exchange emergency contact information.
Child Support
Child Support Agreement: The parents have agreed on a child support amount of $X per month, payable by [Parent 2’s Name] to [Parent 1’s Name].
Review: The child support amount will be reviewed annually or as needed.
Healthcare and Medical Decisions
Health Insurance: [Parent 1’s Name] will maintain health insurance coverage for the child.
Medical Decisions: Both parents will consult each other on medical decisions, including non-emergency treatments and surgeries.
Education
School Choice: Parents will jointly decide on the child’s school.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Both parents will attend parent-teacher conferences and school events.
Extracurricular Activities
Agreement: Both parents will support the child’s participation in extracurricular activities.
Cost Sharing: Costs related to extracurricular activities will be shared equally.
Relocation
Notice: If either parent plans to relocate, they will provide written notice to the other parent at least 60 days in advance.
Modification: The parenting plan may be modified if both parents agree or if there are significant changes in circumstances.
Dispute Resolution
Mediation: In case of disagreements, parents will attempt mediation before pursuing legal action.
Court: If mediation fails, either parent may seek court intervention.
Signatures
We, [Parent 1’s Name] and [Parent 2’s Name], have read and agreed to the terms of this parenting plan.
My neighbor was in an identical situation, and he first underwent a court ordered DNA test to prove he is the father. Once that was decided, he devised a strategy for sharing responsibilities, which included decisions concerning his daughter, visitation times, and communication. He also handled child support according to Georgia’s guidelines. He hired a lawyer who was knowledgeable in family law and fathers’ rights in Georgia, and the Georgia Bar Association assisted him in finding a suitable lawyer. It turned out well for him.
