Every family is different, which means that a divorce will impact you and your kids in unique ways. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all custody and visitation order, and you will be able to create a strategy that allows you to meet the needs of your Washington family in specific ways that are meaningful and sustainable. While there is no perfect parenting plan, there are steps you can take that will allow you to create a strategy that is beneficial for every member of your family.
A parenting plan can be custom-tailored to the individual needs of your family. This means that you can create a strategy that will allow you to meet the needs of your kids in ways that are functional. It is helpful to have an understanding of how you can balance your parental rights with what your kids need for stability and security going forward.
Steps to a strong future for your family
The decisions you make during your divorce will impact your family for years to come. That is why it is important to have a parenting plan that matches your unique needs and your objectives for your family. While you will find that there is really no such thing as a perfect parenting plan, the following are steps that can help you create a strategy that will provide your kids with stability and security:
- Take the time to carefully evaluate your kids’ needs and make decisions that would be in their interests.
- Think about a schedule that will function well based on your work schedule, your kids’ school schedule and other factors.
- Develop a strategy through which you and the other parent can communicate with each other and with the children when they are with the other parent. This will reduce the chance of conflict in the future.
- Make the decision about how you will share legal custody and make important decisions for the kids in the future.
- Have a very clear plan for how you will share financial responsibilities with the other parent.
- Work hard to maintain your goals for your parenting plan, keeping your children as your focus and their best interests as your priority.
While there is no perfect parenting plan, you can make the transition to post-divorce life as easy as possible for your kids. Research shows that children can thrive after a divorce if the parents have a well thought out parenting plan. By creating a plan that suits their needs and provides them with a strong relationship with both parents, you can ease the stress and strain that many kids experience when their parents divorce.