When you get a divorce and have kids, you’ll have to undergo the
process of creating a parenting agreement. A parenting agreement is a
written agreement that defines how you and your ex will raise your children,
including laying down ground rules and guidelines for things like communication
standards, expectations of the children, what activities will be permitted,
and much more. Creating a parenting agreement isn’t always a simple
process, so here are some tips you can follow to make this often-contentious
part of your divorce a little easier to complete.
What You Should Include
No two parenting agreements will ever be the same because no two families
are even in the exact same situation. Thus, everyone will need to include
different things in their parenting agreement. While you shouldn’t
hesitate to retain an Annapolis family law attorney to make sure you don’t
leave out anything that you might need in the future, most parenting agreement
should cover things like custody terms and living arrangements, visitation
schedules (including holidays), child support and expenses, education
terms, how a child will receive medical care, and how they will be raised
religiously (if at all).
Preparing for Negotiations
Before you begin drafting your parenting agreement, you’ll want to
make sure you have documentation that supports your claims and ensures
you receive fair treatment when it comes to your parenting rights. This
includes gathering evidence that supports your involvement in your children’s
lives and previous actions taken during any custody negotiations, including
court orders, previously negotiated agreements, religious marriage documents,
letters or communications from school officials with insight into your
children, and much more. Carefully collect and organize these documents
and then review them before starting custody proceedings to make sure
you know and can discuss the ways in which you’d like to have your
parenting agreement work out.
Consider Mediation
Because child custody can be such a difficult subject to approach, it’s
often worth considering attempting to have a mediator lead the negotiations.
Mediators are much less formal than proceeding through the courts, so
you don’t have to worry about presenting your case before a judge.
A mediator is usually a neutral attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable
in child custody law and can help both sides meet on common ground and
come to an agreement. This process also could save you a substantial amount
of money and lead to less harbored resentment that the court litigation
process seems to create in some cases.
Let an Annapolis family law attorney from the Law Office of Nicholas T.
Exarhakis help you create the perfect parenting agreement.
Call our office at {F:P:Site:Phone} today to request a case evaluation.