Children and schedules
A parenting plan the kids can count on
Children do best with a schedule that's clear, consistent and written down. I help parents make one, change one that has stopped working and sort out the money that goes with it.
This work covers custody and parenting time, a first parenting plan, changing an order after a move, a new job or a child's needs, and child support: working out the figure, or changing it.
The courts decide by what is best for the child. I help you show what that looks like in your family, and where there is room to agree, to agree.
Parenting plans for school weeks, weekends and holidays
Changing a plan or an order
Child support set and changed
Moves and long-distance schedules
What a good plan names
The details that keep a plan from becoming an argument.
- 01
Where the children sleep
A weekly rhythm that fits school and work, with a pattern for holidays, birthdays and breaks agreed in advance.
- 02
How handoffs work
When, where and by whom. A short line about who drives and where the bags go prevents more arguments than most people expect.
- 03
How you decide things together
School, health care and activities, and how the two of you talk about them when you disagree.
- 04
How support is figured
A formula based on both incomes and the time each of you has the children. I run the numbers for your situation and explain each line.
- 05
What happens when life changes
A new job, a move, a child who needs something different. A good plan says how you will revisit it and what happens if you cannot agree.
- 06
What goes in the court order
The parts the court needs to enforce, written clearly enough that either of you can read them and know what to do.
Questions about parenting plans
Can the children choose where they live?
A child's wishes can carry more weight as they get older, but the court decides on what is best for the child, not on the child's choice alone. I'll explain how it works where you live.
What if the other parent won't follow the plan?
Keep a simple record and tell me. Depending on what is happening, we may ask the court to enforce the order, or to change a plan that never worked.
Do we need a judge to change an order?
If you both agree, usually not for long: the change is written down and the court approves it. If you disagree, one of you asks the court.
Will child support change if our incomes change?
It can. Support is based on current incomes and time with the children, so a new job or a change in schedule is a reason to look again.
You don't have to have the schedule worked out.
Tell me where things stand and what the children's weeks look like. We'll work out the plan from there.
Please keep confidential details, such as account numbers or what happened at home, out of the contact form.