Three Approaches to Shared Parenting Time Allocation
Delaware, Ohio, Divorce Lawyer Helping Clients Draft Shared Parenting Time Agreements
One of the most important and emotional issues in any divorce is when there are children involved and trying to figure out how to keep their lives as normal as possible. Determining what amount of parenting time will be allocated to the mother and father is a critical part of this process.
At the Law Offices of Nancy L. Sponseller, we believe in helping parents figure out an arrangement through amicable negotiation that will encompass every situation and detail that involves the children. These parenting time agreements are crucial to gaining court approval of your divorce by the Ohio family law court. More importantly, by formalizing the agreement and exploring all available options, this can help alleviate disputes, stress and costs that may arise later because of ambiguity.
If you need help negotiating your shared parenting time agreement, we encourage you to contact us to see how we can be of service to you. We can help you draft and formalize an agreement you have already worked out as part of dissolution or uncontested divorce proceedings, or we can represent you in negotiating or litigating this issue as part of a complex contested divorce action.
Parenting Time Allocation Issues That Need to Be Considered
Our highly respected and experienced family law attorney, Nancy L. Sponseller understands that one model does not fit all families. We believe in presenting different models to different people based on their families' needs. These parenting time plans can help families understand the responsibilities of each parent, including:
- Who has custody of the children when they are not in school
- Who is in charge of picking up and dropping off children at school on certain days where custody may be split
- Arrangements that focus on the nine months children are in school and then how summers will be allocated
- Which parent will have the children for certain holidays, vacations and days of special meaning, such as parent birthdays, children birthdays, mother's day, etc.
- Mapping out who will be responsible for taking children to after-school and extra-curricular activities when days are split between parents
It is important to present to the court a parenting plan where every day is accounted for and each parent understands their own obligations. All shared parenting plans must have a specific time allocation, stating the time when the child/children will be with each parent. Typically, there is a "regular" parenting time schedule during the school year, and the summer months may or may not follow the regular parenting time schedule.
Three Approaches to Shared Parenting Time Allocation
The regular parenting time schedule that is included in a plan of shared parenting is tailored to the family's specific circumstances, and there is no one parenting time allocation schedule that is "right" for everyone.
However, the following are several very different approaches that illustrate how specific the time allocation language or schedule should be, and each is either a not uncommon scenario or, with some changes, is close to what is often used. To learn more about each of these approaches, please click on the appropriate link:
- A plan that is close to "50-50" time allocation but not exactly "50-50" on a two week rotation
- An alternate approach to dividing parenting time equally on a two week rotation
- A time allocation approach that uses the Franklin County, Ohio Domestic Court Rule 27
The allocation of parenting time will also help shape child custody, visitation and child support agreements.
Our office also emphasizes that parents should approach drafting these agreements with the idea of being flexible. As circumstances change and special situations arise, it is important for each parent to acknowledge that these events are a part of life and need to be accommodated appropriately. By working together as time progresses, this can and will not only avoid court costs, but it will help maintain a calm and cooperative atmosphere for the children.
No matter what model you choose to adopt, we will help ensure it is in the best interest of your needs and that of your children's. To begin the process of formalizing the details surrounding a shared parenting time allocation agreement, please contact our office to speak with our knowledgeable staff to see how we can help you.
