Where to Get Help in Formulating a Parenting Plan

Divorced couples may be separated but they still have a common task: the welfare of their children. Parents will have to set their differences aside in order to work towards the creation of a parenting plan. Studies have shown that children are more likely to develop to their full potential if their parents have minimal conflict and if they continue to cultivate a strong relationship with both. Yet formulating a parenting plan that works equally for the parties can be tricky. In order to facilitate the process, parents can turn try the following methods:

Counseling

If the parents are not on good terms, then they may opt for counseling services to iron out their differences of opinion regarding the parenting plan. This usually works well when the issues are largely in the practical realm. Counselors will help both parties solve these issues by offering insights and examples from other cases. It will be up to the parents to accept the suggestions and tailor a plan that suits their particular circumstances.

Mediation

If the parents are hostile to each other, then mediation is more appropriate than counseling. This involves having an astute middleman negotiating between the two parties. Since the parents are not able to discuss the matter in a balanced manner, a negotiator acts as a buffer to explain each other’s wishes and arrange the final terms of the agreement. This method works best for parents with a moderate amount of conflict yet still willing to come to terms. An experienced mediator may also be able to strike a deal between two highly adversarial parties. The parents retain the right to the final outcome of the parenting plan.

Collaborative Law

In this method, the parents are escorted by their lawyers in every meeting. All participants agree to settle the matter off-court through diligent negotiations. They might employ the consistent use of a multi-disciplinary panel as resource persons, including mental health experts, financial planners, and other helpful professionals. Some may ask for the panel’s presence only when needed. This is a novel approach to conflict resolution for estranged couples and its effectiveness is yet to be determined. There is no conclusive study as to which types of parents are suited to this method. Those who want to ensure adequate legal protection may want to give it a try. In case the talks fail and the issue becomes a drawn out legal battle, the collaborative law attorneys should not be used in the litigation.

Litigation

Here the lawyers represent the parents in a more adversarial manner. If other methods of dispute resolution have failed, then the court may intervene to settle the matter once and for all. It is the court which will map out custody and visitations rights as it sees fit, with the children’s welfare being the highest priority. Both must comply or face legal consequences. This is suitable for parents who have extremely conflicting opinions about the parenting plan.

Skimping out on the kind of family lawyers you hire is not something you want to do. Divorce law is an immense system of rules and complications – so let the professionals handle it.