If you are getting divorced and have children under 18, it’s a good idea to have a parenting plan. The parenting plan defines the roles and powers of each parent or carer. These may be equal (co- or shared parenting) or one parent may have a greater share of the care responsibility. Post-divorce, one parent may relocate to another city for work or personal reasons, and the parent whose residence is the primary one may also assume decision-making powers, without the need to consult the other (though they should always be informed). In an emergency, it’s important that the parent on the scene be able to act swiftly and decisively in the best interests of the child. A parenting plan spells out these powers.
A parenting plan is not compulsory when the divorce is amicable and the spouses are able to negotiate arrangements peaceably. However, in a high-conflict divorce, when parents can’t agree on anything, the court may order a parenting plan to be drafted. The court may also appoint a parenting coordinator in situations where it appears the process is going to be lengthy. A parenting coordinator is only appointed when all attempts at reasonable dialogue between the parents have failed, and parents cannot refuse the involvement of a parenting coordinator. The court has the power to appoint a parenting coordinator without the consent of the parents, if the welfare of the child or children is a matter for concern.
Contact SD Law if you need help with a parenting plan.