When you’re filling out your child custody papers, it’s important for you to have a good idea of what you want your parenting plan to be. In fact, many of the forms that you fill out are pieces of your parenting plan that the court then puts all together to make the custody order. If you’ve already created a parenting plan, or custody agreement, then it will make filling out the custody papers that much easier.
One big part of your parenting plan that you have to include with your custody papers is the visitation schedule. States have various forms that you fill out about what type of custody you and the child’s other spouse have (joint legal, joint physical, sole, etc) and also the schedule of visitation. If you have set up a calendar that outlines the time the child has with both parents you will be in a good position with this paper. Plus, it will make your life a lot easier.
If you and the child’s other parent don’t agree on the type of custody or the visitation schedule, then you need to fill out the form with what you want the court to grant. Then it is even more important to have a calendar and schedule all outlined. This shows the court that you have thought through your plan and they will be much more likely to accept it.
Parts of the visitation schedule include the holiday schedule, one time and recurring special events, and vacation time. Be sure to include all of these. You want to divide the holidays equally and fairly (meaning both parents get the same amount of big holidays) between the parents. If there are any special events (like the child’s birthday or parent’s birthday) that change when the child will spend time with what parent, put that in. Also schedule time for vacation.
Another part of the parenting plan that you need to include with your papers is any stipulations or provisions that accompany your agreement. These are any little rules that a parent wants both parents to follow. Examples could be that the other parent receives a copy of an itinerary when the child is on vacation, that the other parent is notified if a parent gets the child a passport, the vacation time must be agreed on thirty days prior, etc.
There will also be some child support papers to fill out–and these will be part of your parenting plan. Different states have different information required for child support calculations. Check with your county courthouse for these papers.
Putting together your child custody papers to have a complete parenting plan is useful for parents because it allows them to stay organized and focused during the custody case. It is also nice to have everything organized even after the case is settled. This way you always have an accurate schedule to keep track of days with your children, and you know everything that is in the custody order. Then you can have peace of mind and enjoy the time you have with your child.
Find out more about child custody papers and learn how to make your perfect parenting plan.
Article Source: Child Custody Papers and Making Your Parenting Plan
