Parenting Plans

When going through a separation, the topic of child custody can be unpleasant and complicated. Nevertheless, the child’s best interest should always come first, making it essential to formulate a parenting plan. Not only will organizing your responsibilities help the child cope with the transition, it will prevent conflict with your spouse in the future.

If you are trying to create a custody agreement, you are likely worried about losing the opportunity to be a parent. Our Pittsburgh custody lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC understand how stressful this thought can be. After all, you have not done anything wrong, and you only seek the opportunity to raise your child in a safe and loving environment. Attorney Anthony Piccirilli will help you through the process of creating a parenting agreement that benefits everyone.

The Purpose of a Parenting Plan

In essence, a parenting plan is a legal document that outlines how a child will be raised after a divorce or separation. One of the advantages of creating this agreement is the avoidance of conflict between you and your spouse. A parenting plan outlines clear guidelines and expectations, making it difficult to get into arguments over child welfare and visitation.

Creating this parenting agreement is also a way to avoid the costs of litigation. If two parents can work out a parenting arrangement on their own, they will not have to engage in a custody battle. At worst, you may need the services of an arbitrator or a lawyer to ensure the parenting plan is fair and balanced. A parenting plan may be needed if:

• You and your partner will be legally separated and you want to organize child custody and child support
• You and your partner are divorcing and you need documentation outlining how each parent will be involved in your child’s life
• You have a child with a partner to whom you are not married and you need to create a plan for visitation and child welfare

What is Included in a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a long checklist that presents topics for consideration. The list is not exhaustive, however, and parents are encouraged to cover areas that might exclusively apply to their circumstances. Areas that should be thoroughly considered when creating a parenting plan include, but are not limited to:

• Physical custody, or living arrangements: How will the child be transferred from one household to the other? Will departures from the visitation schedule be allowed for special occasions? Are there areas that the child should not be allowed to visit when in the custody of a parent?
• Legal custody, including decision making and information divulged to the child: Will both parents have the right to make healthcare decisions? Will the child be able to visit if either parent changes their location? How will educational decisions be made?
• Financial support responsibilities: How much will each parent pay for the child’s basic needs? How will the child’s education be paid for? How will the child’s health insurance premiums be paid for?

Let Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC Fight for you

If you are involved in a negotiation for child custody, it can feel like you are being treated unfairly. Your spouse may be trying to cheat you out of your parental rights when you only want the chance to be involved in your child’s life. Our Pittsburgh custody lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC realize that a divorce or separation can uproot everything you have worked so hard to establish. With your cooperation, attorney Anthony Piccirilli can formulate a parenting plan that puts your mind at ease. He will work tirelessly to ensure that the relationship with your child is maintained.

Call (412) 471-5100 today to see how your child’s best interests can be protected.