Why A Short-Term Parenting Plan Can Save You Some Serious Headaches In Your Separation or Divorce!
Let me ask you a simple question: how would you like to put in place an agreement with your spouse that helps reduce parenting disputes from the start?
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t?
Hi, my name is Thomas O’Malley. I’m an experienced family lawyer in Durham Region and the GTA.
When you negotiate a short-term parenting plan with your spouse, this agreement can serve as a basis for a more comprehensive plan that you set out in a separation agreement or family court settlement.
You and your spouse must stay child-focused to create a short-term parenting plan that truly benefits your children.
Here are some critical areas you need to discuss and put in a short-term parenting plan:
- The length of the short-term agreement. Are you going to test out a schedule with the other parent for one or two months to see how it is working out?
- Parenting time. How often, how long, and at what times will the kids be with you and with your ex-spouse? Be specific to avoid disagreements later. You should put in specific pick up and drop off times for the exchange of the kids for each parent.
- House rules. You should have the same set of rules in each household for your kids as much as possible.
- Disciplinary methods. Both parents must agree on the disciplinary methods for their kids.
- Entertainment. Which tv shows and programs, movies, electronic games and other entertainment will the kids be permitted to watch or play?
- Sports and recreation activities. In which organizations, teams and sports will the kids participate?
- Problems in school. How will you deal with homework, study habits, low grades, discipline problems, bullies and other potential problems at school?
- Medical care. Which types of health practitioners will be consulted: medical doctors, chiropractors, and so forth? What medications are to be used or avoided?
- Financial issues. Who will pay credit card installments and insurance premiums? Who will pay temporary child support? What will happen with the bank accounts? Who will live in what residence?
- Revaluation date. When will you and your ex-spouse sit down and re-evaluate your short-term parenting agreement and develop a temporary legal agreement?
That should give you some solid ideas on creating a short-term parenting agreement with your former spouse.
If you have any questions about your separation, divorce or family law case and you would like our help, there’s a few ways to contact our office. You can leave a message on my Facebook law office page, visit my website at www.canadiandivorcelegaladvice.com, or call me directly at 905-434-8837.
We would be happy to speak to you.
Oh, by the way, did you know you can protect your family law rights and get essential information on settling your family law issues with your former spouse with the daily indispensable family law advice and tips at my FREE Facebook group?
Click here to find out more: Durham Region Separation and Divorce Support Group
Thanks for watching this video.
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