What Type of Parenting Plan Is Right For You?

What Type of Parenting Plan Is Right For You?

The basic element in a Parenting Plan is the time-sharing schedule and the "rules" that will determine how the parents communicate and share responsibilities concerning the child(ren). The main types of parenting plans are: traditional vs. safety-focused and standard vs. long distance. The following questions will assist in determining which type of parenting plan is right for you.

1. Do you and the other parent live far away from one another?
2. Has the other parent exhibited violent behavior against you or the child(ren)?
3. Has the other parent damaged or destroyed property or hurt someone out of anger?
4. Has the other parent been so upset that he/she could not care for himself/herself?
5. Does the other parent abuse drugs or alcohol?
6. Has the other parent used weapons or violence to threaten or hurt people?
7. Has the other parent threatened to never return the child(ren)?
8. Has the other parent been served with a domestic violence injunction or no contact order?
9. Has the other parent ever been arrested for harming someone else?

If the answer to question number 1 is yes, you should design a long distance parenting plan. If the answer to any of questions numbered 2 through 9 are yes, you should design a safety-focused parenting plan. 

Other questions you should ask yourself in developing a parenting plan are as follows:

1. How do you and the other parent communicate with one another?
2. Do you trust the other parent's judgment regarding decisions affecting the child(ren)?
3. Do you feel that it is okay to make all of the decisions regarding the child(ren) without consulting the other parent?
4. Where do you want the time-sharing exchange to take place?
5. Are you concerned about the child's health, safety, and/or welfare while the child is with the other parent?

Keep in mind that there is not a one-size-fits-all parenting plan and these questions are intended to serve as guides in the development of a parenting plan that will take into consider your concerns and relationship with the other parent. It is important to consider your child(ren)'s individual needs such as their temperament and the quality of family relationships. Pros and cons should be weighed, taking into account all factors.