4 Vital Factors A Child Custody Attorney Will Consider When Drafting A Parenting Schedule For You

Divorcing your spouse is hard enough, but the process could even be more complicated when you have children together. One significant challenge you're likely to face is creating a parenting schedule that works for you and your spouse and meets your kid's needs. If you aren't on good terms with your partner, emotions could easily get in the way and make an already difficult situation even worse. This is where a child custody attorney can be helpful. They'll create for you a plan that's fair and takes into account the best interests of your child. Here are four vital factors they'll consider when drafting a parenting schedule:

The Age of Your Child

A child's age is a crucial factor when drafting a parenting schedule. Infants and very young children, for example, need to be close to their mothers to breastfeed and bond. As children get older, however, they may become more independent and able to spend longer periods away from a parent. A child custody attorney will work with you to create a parenting schedule that is appropriate for your child's age and needs.

The Relationship Between the Parents

The relationship between you and your spouse is another crucial factor that shouldn't be overlooked when creating a parenting plan. In some cases, it may be recommended that the parenting time be split equally between the parents, especially if they live close to each other.

However, in families with a history of domestic violence or abuse, it may be necessary to have a more limited parenting schedule for the safety of the children. A child custody attorney will find out more about your relationship with your spouse and make a recommendation based on what would be in your children's best interests.

The Distance Between the Homes of the Parents

If the parents live close to one another, it can be easier for the child to spend time with both parents. If the parents live further apart, however, the child may need to spend more time with one parent or the other to make travel manageable. A child custody attorney will determine the feasibility of the child traveling between homes and make the best recommendation.

The Child's Extracurricular Activities

The child's extracurricular activities should be considered when drafting a parenting schedule. If the child is involved in activities such as sports or music lessons, the plan should allow plenty of time for these activities. Similarly, if the child has regular doctor's appointments or therapy sessions, the schedule should accommodate these as well. A child custody attorney will work with you to ensure that your child's physical and emotional needs are met.

Drafting a parenting schedule that is in the child's best interests can be complex. However, a child custody attorney will consider all the relevant factors and create a plan that works well for all of you. 

Contact a local child custody attorney for more info. 

 

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