When parents get divorced or separate through the legal system, the court requires that a parenting plan be put into the final judgment. The goal of the court is to ensure that both parents have frequent and meaningful contact with their children. At Jill Brittle Family Law Group, we recommend that parents put together a detailed parenting plan to help avoid future litigation. Even when parents are getting along at the time of their divorce, we remind clients that circumstances can change. What happens if you or your ex-spouse remarries? Or either of you has another child? In those circumstances, conflict often arises and couples who used to get along begin having difficulty communicating. Future problems can often be avoided by careful drafting of a parenting plan by an Oregon divorce lawyer.
For example, a statement that “the parties will each have 50% parenting time” is one we often see in judgments prepared by paralegal services. But what does this really mean? Will one parent have Junior from January 1 through June 30th, and the other parent from July 1 through December 31st? Or from Sunday to Sunday? Or alternating months? You get the picture! Be specific! List specific times, exchange locations, and who will handle transportation. Do the same for holidays and school vacations.
The lawyers at Jill Brittle Family Law Group can help you write a parenting plan, even if you are using the court forms or a paralegal service to prepare your other court documents. We will give you suggestions about language to address safety provisions, transportation issues, scheduling of activities, exchange of clothing, and more. Give us a call to schedule an appointment!