When parents with minor children divorce in Massachusetts, the court will require them to draft a parenting plan proposal. In this legal agreement, the parents will outline each of their schedules and shared parental duties for their children, with a goal of providing them with a stable environment to thrive in.
What is a parenting plan?
If you and your spouse are on good terms and file for uncontested divorce, the court will most likely award you with joint physical custody. Here, you and your spouse will be able to co-parent your children and share significant time with them.
Usually, one parent will agree to be the primary residence for their children, where they will live most of the time. The other parent will follow a visitation schedule that outlines their agreed terms from the parenting plan. Although you are free to tailor a plan that works best for the whole family, it must include details about the following:
- Drop-off and pickup routines
- School events and/or extracurricular activities
- Communication plans
- Religious events
- Medical and dental check-ups
- School breaks and holidays
- Other special occasions
By facilitating a solid structure for your children’s day-to-day routines, they can adjust to their new living arrangements and adapt to the changes gradually with little to no confusion.
Do I have to follow everything on the plan?
Since your parenting plan is a court order, you and your spouse must follow the details on it, with some flexibility. One example of this is when an unexpected situation causes you to divert from the original schedule. In this case, you should communicate with your ex-spouse and let them know how you plan to compromise for the change.
Healthy collaboration is key to co-parenting
By creating a parenting plan that balances each of your schedules and responsibilities for your children, you can maintain a peaceful collaboration with your ex-spouse and let your kids grow up feeling supported and guided.