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For parents, among the most important aspects of a divorce is having to make decisions concerning child custody and visitation. In a post-divorce world, ensuring quality parenting time is always top of mind.

In the state of Louisiana, the family court system encourages divorcing parents to create their own parenting plan based on the best interests of their children.

Parenting plan goal

The court will want to know how divorcing parents plan to care for their children in the future. A parenting plan provides the answers to this question. You know your children best, and if you and your spouse can work together to develop a workable plan, you will remain in control of the children’s future rather than having to abide by the decisions of a judge.

What to include

A well-organized parenting schedule is the main focus of a successful plan. It will outline how you and the other parent will physically care for your children. Create a schedule based on a rotation pattern that will allow both of you to spend as much time as possible with them. Include time for special events, holidays and vacations. Your plan should also state how you are going to handle making big decisions on behalf of your children and how you will deal with child-related expenses. The plan should address the way you and the other parent will communicate about the children and how you will resolve conflicts.

The litigation option

If you and your soon-to-be ex are unable to reach an agreement regarding parenting time, the court will step in. A judge will make decisions based on certain criteria, such as the ability of both parents to provide love, security, a stable home environment and more. Remember that every decision made should address the best interests of your children.