Money and peace are wasted when separated parents don’t have parenting plans.  When you were together, you could always ask to the other parent to step in if you were running late, sick, or had some emergency.  Not when you’re separated.  What if you’re late bringing the kids back to the other parent?  What if one parent is called in to work unexpectedly, or has to work late?  What if you have a hot date on your parenting night?  Who goes to the parent-teacher meetings?  Who signs permission slips for school trips?

One option is to leave everything up in the air and call your lawyer every time there’s the slightest disagreement.  The stress to you, the other parent, and the kids from all that chaos and anger – hey, it’s character-building.  And the expense?  Suck it up.  Lawyers need to pay for their vacations too. 

Another option is to sort out as much as possible in advance, including provide for emergencies.  That’s called a “parenting plan.”  Typical items to cover are:

·         Who has the kids each day (a year-long calendar, with a copy in each home);

·         Access to medical, school, etc. records & information;

·         Important contacts (Dr., dentist, teachers, new partners, in-laws);

·         Kids’ activities carry on regardless which parent they’re with;

·         Sharing of extra medical, dental, school, & activity costs;

·         Attendance at kids’ special events (e.g., music performances, sports matches);

·         Who does drop off / pick-up (including each parent’s new partner!);

·         Whether a parent who isn’t available must offer that time to the other parent, or if s/he can have a relative/new partner look after the kids;

·         Any restrictions on parental conduct (e.g., no alcohol/drugs around the kids);

·         Emergency provisions (kid is hurt, parent is hurt); and

·         Communication between parents (there are excellent on-line apps).

Only Tigger gets to: “never plan nothin”.  Good parents know that having a Clear plan will prevent disputes, legal expenses, and stress.  At Clear Legal we have decades of experience helping parents.  Let us help you make a plan to get us out of your life.