Tips for Developing a Parenting Plan That Works for Both Parents in New York (2024)

Creating a parenting plan that suits both parents can be one of the most challenging aspects of divorce or separation. Whether you are drafting your first parenting plan or revising an existing one, it is helpful to review tips for developing a parenting plan that works for both parents in New York. The Trotto Law Firm, P.C., shares essential advice on how to make a plan that not only elevates the best for the children involved but also for both parents.

Essential Tips for Creating a Parenting Plan for Everyone Involved

Developing a parenting plan that works for both parents involves balancing the needs and schedules of everyone involved while focusing on the well-being of the children. Below are key tips to keep in mind that can help you create an effective and fair parenting plan:

• Prioritize the best interests of the children. It is important to focus on stability. Ensure That the plan provides a stable and consistent environment for the children. Consider their educational needs, social activities, and emotional well-being. If age-appropriate, take into account the children’s preferences and opinions regarding their living arrangements and time with each parent.
• Create a detailed custody and visitation schedule. Clearly outline the days and times each parent will spend with the children, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Make a plan for birthdays, holidays, and special events, specifying which parent will have the children during these times or how these days will be alternated.
• Ensure flexibility and adaptability. Regularly review the parenting plan and make adjustments as needed to accommodate changes in schedules, the children’s needs, or other circumstances. Allow for temporary modifications to the plan in case of special circumstances or emergencies, with mutual agreement.
• Establish clear decision-making responsibilities. Specify which parent will make decisions about key areas such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing or if decisions will be made jointly. Clarify who will make routine decisions when the children are in their care, such as daily schedules and activities.
• Plan for transportation and exchanges. Choose neutral, convenient locations for custody exchanges to minimize conflict. Define who will be responsible for transporting the children to and from exchanges and activities.

Custody Schedule Examples

Creating a custody schedule that works for both parents involves balancing their work schedules, the children’s needs, and maintaining a stable routine. Here are several schedule examples that can work well for both parents:

• Week-on/week-off schedule. Each parent has the children for a full week at a time, alternating weeks. This provides long, uninterrupted periods with each parent, which can help with stability in bonding.
• 2-2-3 schedule. The children spend two days with one parent, two days with the other parent, and then three days with the first parent. The following week, the schedule reverses. This ensures frequent contact with both parents, which can be beneficial, especially for younger children.
• 3-4-3-3 schedule. The Children spend three days with one parent, four days with the other parent, and then switch the following week. This option provides a balance of time with both parents and fewer transitions than the 2-2-3- schedule.
• Alternating weeks with midweek visits. The children spend alternating weeks with each parent, with a midweek visit or overnight stay with the other parent. This provides a stable weekly routine while allowing for regular contact with both parents.
• Every extended weekend. The children live with one parent during the week and spend extended weekends (Friday evening to Monday morning) with the other parent. This minimizes disruptions to the children’s school week and allows for quality weekend time with the other parent.

FAQs

What Is a Good Custody Schedule for Working Parents?

The right custody schedule for working parents is unique to each situation and involves balancing the needs of the children with the demands of both parents’ work schedules. Some parents may find a week-on/week-off schedule meets their needs, alternating weeks with a midweek visit, every few days switching off, and more.

There are many ways to customize a custody schedule that satisfies the needs of the parents while not compromising on what is best for the child.

What Is an Example of a Good Parenting Plan?

An example of a good parenting plan outlines a clear and detailed arrangement and tailors the goals and objectives to the specific needs of the children and the parents. It outlines how each parent will take on responsibilities and make decisions about their children’s care and upbringing. If you need support creating a parenting plan that covers all of the unique needs and considerations of your family, speak with a trusted family law attorney as soon as possible.

How Do I Create a Parallel Parenting Plan?

You can create a parallel parenting plan for a high-conflict situation where traditional co-parenting is not feasible due to ongoing disagreements or communication issues. Parallel parenting allows parents to remain disengaged from each other while still playing active roles in their children’s lives. To make a tailored plan that fits your specific situation and keeps the children’s best interests as the primary focus, contact a family law attorney.

How Many Days Is an 80/20 Split?

The number of days that an 80/20 split typically would mean the child is with one parent for 80% of the year, which is 292 days, and the other parent for 20% of the year, which is 73 days. These days can be broken down into weekly, monthly, or bi-weekly schedules to suit the needs of the family. For instance, the parent with 20% custody might have the child every other weekend and some additional time during holidays or school breaks.

Speak With a Trusted Local Family Law Attorney Today

Developing a parenting plan that works for both parents requires careful consideration, open communication, and a willingness to prioritize the best interests of your children. By incorporating flexibility, clear guidelines, and a commitment to cooperation, you can create a plan that fosters stability and supports the well-being of your family.

At the Trotto Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys are ready to support you in the creation of a plan that works for all parties involved. Reach out today to set up a consultation and get the process started.