Overlooked Parts of Parenting Plans

A detailed, well-organized parenting plan is the foundation for any co-parenting relationship. Although many of our clients are focused on obtaining custody, few give any thought to the “nuts and bolts” of actually parenting with their ex.

Critical parts of a parenting plan include dividing holidays and detailing how you will exchange your child for timesharing. But there are other important parts of a parenting plan that parents often overlook. Contact an experienced child custody lawyer at Hamilton O’Neill for assistance with custody issues or creating a workable parenting plan.

Electronic Communications

In today’s world, about half of children get a smartphone by the age of 11. This means that children can easily reach out to the other parent by text or video messaging when timesharing with the other parent. However, parents are often wary about electronic communications after divorce.

One concern is that your children will call your ex at inconvenient times to complain about you or to get permission to do something after you have said no. Other parents are concerned their ex will be constantly contacting their child, possibly to spy on them while they are with the other parent.

You can establish limitations on electronic communication in the parenting plan. For example, you can identify certain days when a parent will call or text their child during your timesharing. Although a teen might ignore these boundaries, the other parent might feel relieved to have boundaries in place.

Reimbursement of Expenses

Some parents will spend considerable amounts of money on the child and expect the other parent to reimburse them. For example, your child might want to participate in youth sports, which can run up to thousands of dollars a year. Other children want to purchase a musical instrument for band or expensive clothes.

Typically, the parent who has possession of a child when the need arises ends up paying out-of-pocket and then asks for reimbursement.

You can address expenses like these in the parenting plan. Divide anticipated expenses ahead of time. Alternatively, you might want the other parent to contact you if they make a purchase over a certain amount, such as $500. That way you can discuss reimbursement before the parent initiates the charge.

Dispute Resolution

Even parents committed to working together will occasionally run into conflict. For example, parents might disagree over whether the child should get braces or if their teens are old enough to begin working. Your parenting plan should identify how to work through these conflicts.

Some parents agree that they will attend mediation to attempt to resolve any disputes. Other parents agree to participate in arbitration. Discuss possible dispute resolution options with your lawyer.

Make-Up Visitation

Life often gets in the way, and you or your child might have conflicting schedules. As children age, they often end up with extracurricular activities on the weekend. And a child of any age can become sick. Your parenting plan should identify how to request make-up time with your child in the event that the timesharing schedule in the parenting plan cannot be followed.

Confused? Talk with an Established Law Firm in Miami

Hamilton O’Neill has helped draft countless parenting plans for clients. Arrange a consultation by calling our office to speak with a Miami child custody lawyer.

Source:

edweek.org/leadership/how-old-kids-are-when-they-get-their-first-phone-according-to-a-new-survey/2025/07