Child custody, child visitation, and other issues in a lawsuit influencing the parent-child relationship can create a high degree of contention between Texas parents. The negative consequences of this natural sentiment may include unfavorable custody or visitation outcomes and significant court-related expenses, among others. In response to these problems, Texas requires parents going through a child custody matter to create a parenting plan.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a court order, which may be either temporary or final. This type of court order specifies both the entitlements and responsibilities of parents in cases related to custody or visitation. According to the Texas Family Code, a parenting plan accounts for possession and access, as well as child support and other related issues. A priority of the parenting plan is developing and perpetuating close relationships between parents and children. The establishment of a parenting plan is a process of two stages. The first stage requires the parents to submit a proposed parenting plan to the court for review. The second stage consists of the court ordering a finalized parenting plan.
Components
When creating a parenting plan, the first step is to take into account the child’s age and the needs of that child. For example, the Texas Attorney General’s Office points out that children between the ages of three to five years should have a consistent schedule and need to be told that they are not the reason for the parents’ divorce. Children who are older, 10-12 years, may tend to align themselves with one parent, thereby taking a side. A parenting plan should put measures in place that encourage both parents to show their love and support for the child.
Other components of a good parenting plan include the following:
- Home rules that are to be followed at both homes
- Process of resolving disputes or disagreements between parents without involving the child
- Disciplinary actions agreed upon by both parents such as no TV or computer
- Parent rules – which parent performs which tasks, who does the laundry for the children, and what will travel between homes
- Rules for picking up and dropping off children
Each parenting plan should be customized to accommodate the needs and schedules of both parents. Furthermore, parents should set up fun events while also making sure that children do homework and chores at both homes.
Legal support is available
Outside counsel may be helpful in navigating the inherently sensitive and complex issues related to family law in divorce and other related cases. Parents who are involved in cases in which the nature of their relationships with their children is at risk may wish to consult with a Texas family law attorney.