Parenting Time Plans – Hidden Issues Parents Often Overlook

When parents divorce or separate, one of the most important tasks they face is developing a parenting time plan for their children. Most parents recognize the need to establish a regular parenting schedule as well as holiday parenting time. However, some of the most significant conflicts arise from issues that were never contemplated when the original agreement was reached. Addressing these potential areas of disagreement in advance can help co-parents avoid misunderstandings, reduce conflict, and minimize the need for future court intervention.

Transportation Responsibilities:

Transportation responsibilities can create conflict if not clearly addressed. Who is responsible for pick-ups and drop-offs? Including language that places transportation responsibility on the parent who is exercising parenting time can help eliminate confusion and reduce disputes. Parenting plans should also address situations where a parent may be running late or become unavailable. A reasonable notice provision, requiring parents to communicate any delays or changes in availability as soon as practicable, can help minimize disruptions for the children while promoting effective co-parenting and cooperation between the parties.

Children’s Activities:

Sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities often change as children grow, particularly after a parenting time agreement has been established. To avoid future disputes, a parenting plan should clearly outline the process for enrolling a child in extracurricular activities, including what notice must be provided, whether the other parent’s consent is required, how costs will be allocated, and when reimbursement must be made, if applicable. Clear expectations can help ensure that children are able to participate in activities while minimizing conflict between co-parents.

Vacation Time:

Vacation time is often one of the most anticipated aspects of parenting time, and the last thing any parent wants is for disputes to interfere with those plans. A well-drafted parenting time agreement should establish reasonable notice requirements for vacation requests and require the sharing of key travel information, such as itineraries, flight details, lodging accommodations, and emergency contact information. Addressing these issues in advance can help ensure smooth travel arrangements, reduce conflict, and provide both parents with peace of mind while the children are away.

Although it is impossible to foresee every co-parenting challenge that may arise over time, considering these issues during the development of a parenting time plan can provide parents with a framework for resolving future disagreements and minimizing conflict.

A well-crafted parenting time plan promotes clarity, reduces uncertainty, and helps prevent potential disputes before they arise.

Consulting with one of Obermayer’s family law attorneys can help you develop a parenting time plan tailored to your family’s unique needs while proactively addressing issues that may arise as your children grow and circumstances change.

The information contained in this publication should not be construed as legal advice, is not a substitute for legal counsel, and should not be relied on as such. For legal advice or answers to specific questions, please contact one of our attorneys.