Creating a parenting plan in California

On Behalf of | Apr 29, 2020 | Child Custody |

When it comes to divorce, change can be particularly difficult for your children. If you and your spouse can amicably agree on things such as custody and visitation schedules, it will make it much easier for your children to adjust to their new lives. Creating a parenting plan, also known as a custody and visitation agreement, can help avoid confusion for everyone involved.

We understand how the laws work in California and have helped many of our clients create a parenting plan that suits the needs of their children.

What does a parenting plan include?

According to the Judicial Branch of California’s website, a parenting plan will primarily address two topics. This includes a detailed schedule of when your children will be with each parent, as well as an overview of how decision making will work between the parents. The parenting plan should detail the decision making process about things such as education, health, and general welfare of your children. It is important to set up your parenting plan so that you can offer your children security and a stable routine.

What is the difference between physical and legal custody?

Your parent plan should address the main elements of physical and legal custody. Physical custody includes where your children will primarily live, and how you will divide your children’s time between you and your spouse. When you plan out weekends, holidays, and other special occasions, you are planning out the physical custody part of the parenting agreement.

Legal custody encompasses who will make the decisions about important things such as where the children will go to school or what religion they will practice. Your parenting plan should detail which decisions must take place together, and which decisions can take place independently. More information about this topic is available on our webpage.