There are many challenges in a Georgia family law case. When children are involved, it can be emotionally problematic with both parents wanting custody and having what they deem as sufficient parenting time. With a parenting plan, there are certain factors that must be in place based on the law. Parents can submit their own plan or the court can order one. Either way, the fundamentals must be followed.
Requirements for a parenting plan
The parenting plan must recognize that the parent-child relationship will be maintained to serve the child’s best interests. Fostering a relationship between the child and each parent is essential for the relationship to thrive. As children mature, their needs will change. The parents are required to exert effort to account for that and adjust the plan and their behavior accordingly. If one parent has physical custody, he or she will be granted the right to make the daily decisions on the child’s behalf, even if there is an emergency. Parents can ask for and see all the child’s records including health, schooling, insurance, religion and various activities.
There must be a detailed schedule as to where the child will be and when. For example, the child might spend certain holidays with one parent and the summer with the other. This can be exchanged or altered as necessary. When the child is transported from one parent to the other, the method must be clear and detailed with where it will take place, when, how the child will be brought to the other parent or picked up, and its cost. In some cases, a parent must be supervised when seeing the child. This must be specified. Parents must allocate the authority to make decisions on the child’s behalf for key parts of his or her life. Disputes must have a method of settlement.
Parenting plan issues may require legal assistance
Every family law case is different and these differences must be handled appropriately as the case moves forward and parenting time is decided upon. For some, it is relatively easy as they are on good terms and can work together to benefit the child. Others might not be so lucky and the relationship is poor with lingering problems from the marriage. Understanding how the court assesses these cases and serving the child’s best interests is imperative. Parenting plans, creating a schedule and formulating responsibilities can be complex. Consulting with a firm experienced in child custody, parenting time and other areas of family law can be beneficial in a case.
