Photo of the legal professionals at Harry Lewis Co., LPA
Photo of the legal professionals at Harry Lewis Co., LPA

Trusted In The Columbus Area
For More Than 40 Years

Photo of the legal professionals at Harry Lewis Co., LPA

Trusted In The Columbus Area For More Than 40 Years

How do I put together a parenting plan in Ohio?

On Behalf of | Apr 13, 2017 | Child Custody |

A parenting plan is used by parents who no longer live together or who have gotten divorced, yet both still want to be involved in their children’s lives. Parenting plans are a great way to end fighting between parents over how different issues will be handled. Parenting plans allow the parents, or the judge, a way to determine which schedule is best for the family based on their circumstances. So, how do I put together a parenting plan in Ohio?

The first step in creating a parenting plan is to answer the following questions:

– How old is the child?

– What is the personality of the child?

– How mature is the child?

– How flexible are the schedules of the child and each parent?

– Do the child or parents have any special needs?

– What type of relationship does the child have with any siblings?

– What are the child’s wishes?

– What is the likelihood that the parents will be able to cooperate and communicate?

– Will there be a need for childcare?

– Will each parent be able to consistently exercise their parenting time?

– Is it possible for regular and frequent contact between the child and both parents?

– What are the religious practices of the parents and the child?

There is no set model for a parenting plan. In fact, parenting plans should be created from scratch with each individual case. The most important part of putting together a parenting plan is to do so based on the age of the child. Children of different ages will require different types of care, which is why you must create a plan based on their age.

Parents preparing to create a plan should learn the various vocabulary used in these plans so confusion does not set in when reading a plan or writing a plan. The plan should be created with the other parent’s help, even if the couple does not get along well.

Source: Ohio Supreme Court, “Planning for Parenting Time Ohio’s Guide for Parents Living Apart,” accessed April 13, 2017