PARENTING PLAN DRAFTING LAWYER MARKHAM
A parenting plan is used to help parents decide what is in the best interests of their minor children. A parenting plan can be created at any time. Some couples decide to choose a parenting plan in their cohabitation agreement or marriage contract (prenuptial agreement).
Most often, couples create a parenting plan after starting a family. It may also be included as part of the separation agreement created during a divorce.
The purpose of the parenting plan is to answer essential questions about minor children and what would be in their best interests if the couple decides to separate and/or get divorced. Parenting plans are helpful because they help avoid potential issues during difficult times when parents might be more likely to make emotional decisions based on how they feel towards the other parent, which is not always in the best interest of the children.
When a couple does not have a plan and their relationship ends, it can leave many questions unanswered and much uncertainty. If the couple is not amicable towards each other, it can force Family Courts to make decisions for the parents that are in the best interests of the minor children.
A parenting plan should answer important questions relating to:
- Where will the children live?
- Will custody be shared or will one parent have the children more often?
- Who will make day-to-day decisions for the children?
- Does the other parent have to be involved in major decisions?
- How will vacations and holidays be handled?
- How will school-related activities be handled?
- Are parents allowed to take the children out of Ontario or the country for vacation?
This is just a small sampling of the types of questions parents need to answer when creating a parenting plan.
For further information about parenting plans and creating one, please feel free to contact our parenting plan lawyer in Markham today!