What Are the Three Basic Types of Parenting Plans?

 Posted on October 03, 2024 in Child Custody

Custody battles can often get ugly, so it can be a relief when child custody is finally determined. However, this is not the end of the issue; a parenting plan must also be prepared. One or both parents may overlook the importance of a parenting plan until problems arise. Parents who are already in conflict because of divorce can find that an unclear parenting plan only adds to the antagonism.

Getting your parenting plan right can go a long way toward a smoother co-parenting situation – and can also save you time, stress, and legal fees necessary to correct the plan. Make sure your Fort Worth child custody attorney is an integral part of the development of a parenting plan. There are three primary types of parenting plans, which are detailed below.

What is a Co-Parenting Plan and Who Does It Benefit?

A co-parenting plan tends to work best for parents who have been able to maintain a cordial relationship after the divorce. Co-parenting plans emphasize equal involvement in the child's life but do require the parents to be able to communicate and cooperate. A co-parenting plan will typically include a schedule that allows for equal (or close to equal) time with each parent and will detail how the parents will make decisions together for their child.

Co-parenting agreements are the most likely to help provide a stable upbringing for the child as they support the child’s relationship with both parents. While the finalization of decisions in a co-parenting plan can benefit from an experienced family law attorney, the finished agreement should allow parents to co-parent with little conflict.   

Parallel Parenting Plans Can Help Ease Conflict

In situations where the parents experience conflict or are unable to communicate, a parallel parenting plan reduces the need for direct interaction. When the child is in their care, each parent can make his or her own decisions. Parallel parenting plans include a very detailed schedule, so there are fewer opportunities for miscommunication.

There may also be specifications regarding the use of neutral communication tools like email or parenting apps to further reduce the potential for conflict. A parallel parenting plan includes limited points of contact between the parents. The goal of a parallel parenting plan is that as emotions regarding the divorce subside, it can evolve into a co-parenting plan.  

Highly Structured Parenting Plans for High-Conflict Parents

If there is a history of high conflict between the parents, including domestic violence or any type of psychological abuse, a highly structured parenting plan may be necessary. In situations where one parent is concerned for the child’s safety or well-being when in the care of the other parent or when one parent believes the other makes poor child-rearing choices, a highly structured parenting plan could be helpful.

If one parent regularly abuses drugs or alcohol, has ever threatened to not return the child, has been served with a protection order, or has engaged in any type of behavior that could be considered abusive or threatening, a highly structured parenting plan is an absolute necessity. The highly structured parenting plan includes limiting interaction between parents and methods of managing conflict.

Pickups and drop-offs may be accomplished through a third party to keep the parents from seeing one another. Parenting apps designed especially for high-conflict parents allow a more neutral space for requesting changes to pickup or drop-off times or any change in schedule. If one parent’s household has been deemed an unsafe environment, a supervising adult must always be present during visitation with that parent – and this will be reflected in the parenting plan.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Child Custody Lawyer

Before you agree to a parenting plan, you should always have your Fort Worth, TX child custody lawyer from The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C. look over the agreement. This can save you significant problems in the future. Attorney J. Kevin Clark has extensive experience in complex property disputes and divorce from narcissistic spouses and has first-hand experience regarding the stress of divorce. Call 817-348-6723 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your child custody issues.