Towson Parenting Plans Lawyer
Since January 1, 2020, the law in Maryland requires custody cases to include a parenting plan that has been completed and signed by both parents. The law applies to divorce cases in which the parents must establish custody, future modifications, and new filings. Creating a parenting plan is not always easy, particularly when there is conflict involved and the parents cannot agree. A Towson parenting plans lawyer can help you create yours and ensure it will be accepted by the court.
What is a Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans are legal documents that are written and signed by the two parties. The plan is separate from the Marital Settlement Agreement. The purpose of a parenting plan is to provide the parties with an opportunity to discuss, negotiate, and ultimately reach an agreement about different parental responsibilities, as well as to determine which party can make decisions on behalf of the child.
The purpose of creating a parenting plan is to allow the parents to create a customized plan that works for all parties, without relying on the court to make decisions. When courts make decisions on child custody matters, they do so according to the child’s best interests. Parents must also create a plan that is in the child’s best interests, but by retaining control, they can also consider other factors a judge may not. In fact, creating a plan together shows the court that the parents are willing to work together and place the feelings and needs of their child above their own.
What to Include in a Parenting Plan?
Parents can include anything that addresses the needs of the child in a parenting plan. Some of the most common provisions include:
- How time with the child will be coordinated,
- The daily needs of the child,
- How the parents will protect the child from any conflict between them,
- How the parents will communicate with the child when they are with the other party,
- How future modifications to the plan will work, and
- Any other important information pertaining to how the two parties will co-parent together.
As long as a parenting plan is fair and reflects the best interests of the child, a judge will approve it and issue a child custody order that is final and legally binding.
When Parents Cannot Agree
Sometimes, parents cannot agree on a parenting plan. When parents cannot agree on a plan, they must complete the “Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Decision-Making Authority and Parenting Time” form and submit it to the court. The form outlines the issues the parents can agree on, and those they cannot. After the form is submitted, parents must take additional steps, such as serving the other party, entering mediation, or enrolling in a parenting class.
Our Parenting Plans Lawyer in Towson Can Assist with Your Case
If you have a custody matter, our Towson parenting plans lawyer at Lebovitz Law, LLC, can negotiate with the other side and help you create a plan that is fair and enforceable by the courts. Call us now at (410) 657-6494 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
