Special Provisions In Parenting Agreements
It is important for parents to remember they can design a parenting agreement that meets the needs of their own family. While it may be helpful to learn about what other co-parents have agreed upon, the reality is the parenting plan should be fashioned with your priorities in mind. This means educational guidelines, religion concerns, and other provisions can be included. If both parents agree and feel comfortable with the provisions, they should be added so the parents are confident they are on the same page as they move into their role as co-parents.
While it is common for individuals to have their own parenting styles, there are ways to feel confident in your co-parenting relationship with your former spouse. A Bucks County family attorney can help.
Educational Provisions and Religious Upbringing
You and your spouse have a lot of freedom to outline how education and extracurriculars are handled within a parenting plan. For example, a plan could include that each parent will be responsible for providing children with a certain amount of study time when the child is within their home. This helps each parent know that school work is being prioritized, that the plans of the parent will not overshadow the child’s assignments. It can also help create a consistent routine for children.
When co-parents agree on religious upbringing, they can underscore that commitment within a parenting plan. Or, if the parents do not practice the same religion, the plan could include language that gives each parent the freedom to bring the minor with them to their place of worship during their parenting time. If more structure is desired, the answers to the following questions could be included:
- When will the child attend religious services?
- Will they attend Sunday school or other religious classes?
- Are the children allowed to attend religious camps?
- Is joint consent required for religious practice decisions?
Significant Other Concerns
If you are in a situation where you feel you want to have rules about other adult relationships within a parenting plan, that is also an option. For example, some parents decide to put into a parenting plan that living with a romantic partner prior to marriage is not permitted. Or that a romantic partner should not be spending the night when the children are also in the household. Talk to a Bucks County family attorney about your preferences.
Part of crafting a parenting plan that works for you and your ex-spouse is landing on the elements of parenthood that are important to both of you. For that reason, adding specific provisions is a great way to reflect the priorities of both parents.
Do you have specific items you want included in a parenting agreement? Whether you are hoping to land on an agreement through mediation or feel your divorce will go to court, the Bucks County family attorneys at Kardos, Rickles & Hand can help. Our dedicated legal team understands the finer points of family law. There are opportunities to create the life you want. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.
https://www.krhlaw.com/how-to-help-a-teen-when-parents-are-divorcing/
