If you and your soon-to-be ex share minor children, your divorce can become more complicated. If you both have decided on parenting time terms in your agreement, you should still get approval from the court to use your developed schedule. A judge’s decision may match your agreement or deviate from it. A skilled Child Custody Lawyer in Ottawa can help protect your rights as a parent and make sure you get the parenting time you deserve.
Creating a Parenting Plan or Custody Agreement
For most families, settling on co-parenting will ensure a child does not miss out on essential development needs. However, how do you and your spouse make this work? Should you work out on a child custody agreement? Your attorney can help create an effective parenting plan that outlines your respective duties and responsibilities when raising your children. Also, this plan establishes a time-sharing schedule. To create the best plan, you and your spouse must find a balance between your emotions, the best interests of your child, and family life. Your custody agreement will dictate how you both care and provide for your child following your separation. Your attorney can help you come up with a plan personalized to the needs of your family.
What Your Should Plan Should Include
A well-thought-of plan will make life easier for everyone in your family. However, creating an ideal plan is not easy. It should be detailed and thoughtful. To get started, create a checklist and concentrate on things you must include in the plan. A basic plan should include the following:
- Legal custody: Your parenting plan should mention custody and access conditions for you and your spouse. This details who can make major decisions for your child including their education, residency, religious upbringing, and health. Joint custody means you and your spouse can make such decisions. Meanwhile, sole custody means only one parent is given decision-making authority.
- Parenting time: A parenting time schedule must be agreed upon and included in your parenting plan. This determines the residence of your child, including their everyday living schedule, weekend timings, and holidays. Your established schedule can include minor details such as childcare responsibilities, transportation, and who should take your child to social activities.
Finding the Middle Ground
Putting your feelings aside following a divorce is not easy. But you and your spouse must negotiate and develop the best parenting strategy for your child. Often, it can be hard to find an unbiased middle ground. This is the reason you should seek legal advice from an experienced attorney.