Phoenix Divorce Attorney Details How to Create an Effective Parenting Plan
Phoenix family law attorney Scott David Stewart says that it is always better for divorcing parents to create a workable parenting plan rather than to leave it up to the court, and provides information on what to include in a parenting plan.
Phoenix, AZ, September 24, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Phoenix family law attorney Scott David Stewart says that one of the most critical tasks that lies ahead of divorcing parents is to develop an effective parenting plan rather than let the court decide how their new family life will be structured in the future.
“If possible, it is always better for parents to develop a plan together rather than let a judge decide. If your divorce is an amicable one, this will be a lot easier than if it is contentious. However, there are distinct advantages to doing it yourselves,” said Stewart. “The reality is that you are the ones who know your children best, and you will want to be the ones who have the final say over how all your lives will go on after the divorce is final.”
He noted that a family law attorney is also helpful in creating a plan that is right for you and your family. While the court will review the parenting plan to make sure it accounts for the best interests of the children, they usually go along with plans that have been agreed to by both parents.
According to Stewart, here are some of the key components that should be included in a parenting plan:
- Where the children will spend holidays, vacations and school breaks. You should try to be as specific as possible about holidays, including the days and times when the children will be with each parent.
- The process of providing each parent with access to medical and school records.
- Child support payments, including what they cover, how they get paid and who gets tax deductions. In addition, the paying party should have a life insurance policy to cover his or her support obligations in case they die before support is scheduled to end.
- Detail which parent is responsible for healthcare insurance costs and how those will be paid.
- Reference how you will deal with childcare, education and extra-curricular activity expenses.
- Anticipate and write down how you will deal with changes, including unanticipated travel or any other event that may change a visitation schedule.
- Set up systems for important notifications, like medical emergencies or changes in visitation plans.
In addition, Stewart advises divorcing parents to have a family law attorney review their parenting plan to make sure they have dealt with all of the appropriate custody issues.
For more information, visit www.SDSFamilyLaw.com or call 602-548-3400.
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About Law Offices of Scott David Stewart
Law Offices of Scott David Stewart is a Maricopa County family law firm with offices in Phoenix and Chandler, representing clients in Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, and El Mirage. Areas of practice include divorce, family law, adoption, child support, custody and visitation, juvenile law and domestic violence. All cases accepted by Law Offices of Scott David Stewart, PLLC receive personal attention, careful meticulous preparation, skilled negotiation, and aggressive litigation. The firm’s website is www.SDSFamilyLaw.com.
“If possible, it is always better for parents to develop a plan together rather than let a judge decide. If your divorce is an amicable one, this will be a lot easier than if it is contentious. However, there are distinct advantages to doing it yourselves,” said Stewart. “The reality is that you are the ones who know your children best, and you will want to be the ones who have the final say over how all your lives will go on after the divorce is final.”
He noted that a family law attorney is also helpful in creating a plan that is right for you and your family. While the court will review the parenting plan to make sure it accounts for the best interests of the children, they usually go along with plans that have been agreed to by both parents.
According to Stewart, here are some of the key components that should be included in a parenting plan:
- Where the children will spend holidays, vacations and school breaks. You should try to be as specific as possible about holidays, including the days and times when the children will be with each parent.
- The process of providing each parent with access to medical and school records.
- Child support payments, including what they cover, how they get paid and who gets tax deductions. In addition, the paying party should have a life insurance policy to cover his or her support obligations in case they die before support is scheduled to end.
- Detail which parent is responsible for healthcare insurance costs and how those will be paid.
- Reference how you will deal with childcare, education and extra-curricular activity expenses.
- Anticipate and write down how you will deal with changes, including unanticipated travel or any other event that may change a visitation schedule.
- Set up systems for important notifications, like medical emergencies or changes in visitation plans.
In addition, Stewart advises divorcing parents to have a family law attorney review their parenting plan to make sure they have dealt with all of the appropriate custody issues.
For more information, visit www.SDSFamilyLaw.com or call 602-548-3400.
###
About Law Offices of Scott David Stewart
Law Offices of Scott David Stewart is a Maricopa County family law firm with offices in Phoenix and Chandler, representing clients in Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, and El Mirage. Areas of practice include divorce, family law, adoption, child support, custody and visitation, juvenile law and domestic violence. All cases accepted by Law Offices of Scott David Stewart, PLLC receive personal attention, careful meticulous preparation, skilled negotiation, and aggressive litigation. The firm’s website is www.SDSFamilyLaw.com.
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Lynda Collins
972-740-3599
www.therainmakerinstitute.com
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