Developing a Parenting Plan: Key Elements for Successful Co-Parenting
Parenting plans are at the very foundation of child-centered divorce and family law solutions. The courts in Massachusetts are very specific about the development of structured plans that address how children will have time with both parents, how parents will make decisions for children (medical, dental, educational, etc.), along with what routines will be established to support children’s best interests. The Law Offices of Eric Mercer know each family dynamic is different, and a thoughtfully drafted plan can provide great clarity, limit conflict, and ensure that children’s needs are placed at priority one. There are many circumstances parents often find themselves in, whether divorcing, never married and breaking up, or modifying an existing parenting arrangement, having a well-written parenting plan can make all the difference in the world for stability and peace of mind going forward.
The Importance of Parenting Plans
“A comprehensive parenting plan does more than just spell out time shares – it sets the tone, minimizes conflict, and provides a framework for success as co-parents. Children respond favorably to schedules that are consistent, and to parents that stay engaged in their upbringing. Parents can outline things like physical custody (where the child lives); legal custody (who makes key decisions about the child’s welfare); holiday and vacation time; methods of communication; transportation responsibilities; and dispute resolution. An early commitment to these items can minimize conflict and provide healthier relationships with parents and children alike.”
What Goes Into an Effective Parenting Plan
Your Lake Forest Divorce Attorney at the Law Offices of Eric Mercer can meet with you to establish a parenting plan tailored to suit your family’s unique situation. Important elements of many parenting plans include:
- Custodial Arrangements: Physical and legal custody issues, and designations as to responsibilities or divisions of responsibilities.
- Parenting Schedules: Times for parenting, including set days of week for parents, weekends, midweek visits, interruptions due to new work schedules, etc.
- Holidays & Vacations: Class or school vacations, birthdays, even holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Communications: What is acceptable for the parent or child to communicate and how? Telephone, video, written communications?
- Decisions: How often will parents make significant decisions about education, health care, visitation and more?
- Transport & Exchanges: Picking up children, returning children home, what happens if one parent needs to change things?
- Conflict Resolution: Mediation and other mechanisms for conflict resolution.
Let The Law Offices of Eric Mercer work with you to help ensure that every single provision of the parenting plan promotes the best interests of the children and that the overall parenting plan is consistent with all parents’ rights and practical realities.
How the Law Offices of Eric Mercer Can Assist
Creating a parenting plan that is enforceable in court and practical in the home requires a careful blend of legal and interpersonal skills. Family law attorney Eric Mercer has been practicing family law throughout Plymouth County and the South Shore for more than 30 years and has built his practice on experience. Our firm works with you personally to determine your goals, your concerns and the dynamics of your family. From there, details are negotiated and we draft a detailed, enforceable written plan that covers daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal routines. If disputes occur, we will strongly advocate for you – in mediation or the courtroom – to protect your rights and your child’s best interests.
Dedicated Fathers’ Rights & Never-Married Parents Advocacy
While Massachusetts law generally gives both parents the right to parenting time and “substantial contact” with their children, judicial bias or the absence of a full holding order can infringe on the rights of fathers and never-married parents. Boston Family Attorney Mercer and his firm focus on protecting parent/child relationships and helping fathers and never-married parents have strong influence and input on the drafting of parenting plans. Whether crafting a plan to suit unique, particular needs, or fighting to protect rights of parenting time, custodial rights and fair support, The Law Offices of Eric Mercer is your Boston Family Law Firm.
Helping Modify Parenting Plans as Your Family Evolves
“Life can be unpredictable, and what works today isn’t guaranteed to last forever. As children grow older or circumstances change, there might be a need to modify existing parenting plans. The Law Offices of Eric Mercer assists clients by seeking modifications to the current parenting agreement; whether it be mandated due to a parent’s move or schedule changes for one or both parents, changing activity levels for the kid(s) or just about anything in between. We assist our clients in collecting the right evidence, going through the appropriate legal process and arriving at decisions that continue to best fit a family. The goal is always to minimize further conflict so any changes can be implemented quickly and with as minimal disruption as possible.”
Our Promise: Affordable, Accessible, & Caring Legal Services
Law Offices of Eric Mercer is committed to accessibility and communication. We know that family law issues can be emotionally and financially taxing. That’s why we serve clients with efficient, cost-effective provision of services and clear terms of engagement. You will receive excellent representation without having to pay exorbitantly for it. Our clients know they can expect prompt service and frank advice from Attorney Mercer, no matter the complexity of their issue. We advise in straight-forward, practical terms, and seek real, satisfying results that will ensure you and your family are secured for the future.
Nothing wastes a client’s time more than a lack of response to phone calls or emails. We respond to your emails and calls within 24 hours because informed clients don’t have anxiety. They come into our offices armed with answers and solutions.
Get Started with a Free, Confidential Initial Consultation
Maybe you’re due for drafting a parenting plan from scratch or perhaps you’d just like to revise an already existing plan. Either way, your first step should be to consult with a family law attorney who listens, advises, and provides the level of service and support you need. If you’re in need of just such an attorney, the Law Offices Of Eric Mercer offers complete family law services in Plymouth, Brockton, Hingham, Bridgewater and every town in all of Plymouth County. Our commitment to you and your family’s future means we want to help you create a parenting plan that allows for positive co-parenting and a secure future.
Call (323) 454-4623 or email [email protected] to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation. You can also fill out the online form by visiting https://plymouthcountyfamilylaw.com/.