Steps in Preparing a Parenting Plan in the State of Texas

When it comes to co-parenting, having a well-prepared parenting plan is essential. A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines how you and your co-parent will share parenting responsibilities, including custody arrangements, visitation schedules, decision-making processes, and financial obligations.

In the state of Texas, there are specific guidelines to follow when creating a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the child. Here are some steps you can take to prepare a parenting plan in Texas:

1. Review the Texas Family Code. The Texas Family Code provides guidelines for creating a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the child. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines before you begin.

2. Identify your child's needs. Consider your child's age, developmental stage, and any special needs when creating your parenting plan. You'll want to ensure that your plan addresses your child's physical, emotional, and educational needs.

3. Establish a parenting schedule. Determine a schedule for when the child will be with each parent. This includes regular visitation schedules, holiday schedules, and summer schedules. Be sure to include details such as pick-up and drop-off times, locations, and how transportation will be handled.

4. Outline decision-making responsibilities. Decide which parent will be responsible for making major decisions for the child, such as those related to education, medical care, and religious upbringing. It's important to be specific and clear about who has decision-making authority.

5. Determine child support and financial obligations. Decide how child support and other financial obligations will be handled. This includes determining which parent will pay for things such as medical expenses, extracurricular activities, and childcare expenses.

6. Be flexible. It's important to be flexible and open to changes and modifications as circumstances change. Consider including provisions in your parenting plan that allow for modifications in the future, such as a provision for mediation or a process for revising the plan.

7. Seek legal advice. Consider consulting with a family law attorney to ensure that your parenting plan is legally sound and in the best interest of your child. An attorney can also help you understand your rights and obligations under Texas law.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were 63,167 divorces in Texas in 2020. In many of these cases, parents are faced with the challenge of co-parenting. Having a solid parenting plan in place can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, and ultimately benefit the child involved.

___________________________