If you are going through the end of a marriage, you may be facing a multitude of difficult decisions that could have a significant impact on your future. As a parent, one of your major areas of focus may pertain to protecting your child throughout the process and ensuring his or her needs are taken care of.
Similar topics can be stressful to even think about, and with numerous areas to cover, you could be feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the process. However, there can be certain factors to consider prior to entering child custody negotiations that could help you gain a better understanding of the process.
Topics to cover when negotiating a parenting plan
While covering every possible scenario in life can be nearly impossible, by addressing certain issues, you may be able to cut down on future conflict. Some of the areas to cover when attempting to reach an acceptable parenting plan may include the following:
- Living arrangements and scheduling concerns: One area to consider is the living arrangements of each parent and their ability to provide for the needs of the kids during their scheduled parenting time.
- Special occasions: Although you and the other parent may agree to a set schedule, this might not account for birthdays and holidays, or even vacations, and discussing how to handle these events in advance could reduce the likelihood of an argument down the road.
- Parental responsibilities: Setting guidelines concerning the responsibilities of each parent is generally a good idea. These can include anything from addressing financial needs to what types of behavior are permitted while the child is present.
- Activities: While growing up, kids may become involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities, and parents may find it helpful to come to agreements related to activities their children pursue.
It may also be beneficial to set guidelines concerning how you and the other parent will communicate on matters concerning the kids. However, this can be a challenging task, especially during such a potentially emotional period, and it may be in your best interests to seek guidance on how best to approach the situation.
Seeking advice early on
With the potential weight of the outcome of your current situation, remaining calm throughout child custody negotiations can be difficult at best. However, making decisions based on emotion is never advisable, and seeking guidance from someone who is knowledgeable in Pennsylvania child custody laws might be exceedingly beneficial. This type of guidance could prove invaluable in preparing you to pursue a parenting plan centered around the needs of your kids.
