If you’re going through divorce and have at least one child with the other person, it won’t be long before you begin to think about all things related to child custody.
Even though your life is sure to change, including the way you raise your child, you need to do whatever it takes to maintain some level of stability. Fortunately, with the help of a parenting agreement, you can do just that.
A parenting agreement can provide a clear idea of what you and your ex should and shouldn’t be doing in regard to how you raise your child. While every agreement is unique, here are some of the things to consider including:
- Where the child will live
- If one or both parents will have legal custody of the child
- A visitation schedule for the parent who does not have physical custody
- A schedule outlining where the child will spend birthdays, holidays, summer vacations and any other important events
- Information on how the child will interact with extended family members, such as grandparents
- Also, include a system for making changes and dealing with future disputes. Having this in place will give you peace of mind, as you’ll know which steps to take should you face a challenge down the line.
Court approval
Once you settle on the details of a parenting agreement, it will then be sent to a family court judge for final approval.
While not always the case, it’s possible that the judge could schedule an informal court hearing to ensure that both parents are clear on the details of the parenting agreement.
Could a violation occur?
Even if you closely follow the parenting agreement, it doesn’t mean the other parent will do the same. It’s possible that he or she could violate the agreement, which puts you in a difficult position.
If you’re unable to talk through your differences, you may need to take legal action. This isn’t something you want to do, as it can cause more stress and tension, but it’s a step you have to take if the person’s unwillingness to cooperate is impacting the relationship between you and your child.