More Than 30 Years Of Family Law Experience
Regardless of whether it’s contentious or amicable, divorce can be extremely difficult for children. Luckily, in Georgia, the courts want children to maintain healthy, positive relationships with both of their parents. One way the state facilitates this is through parenting plans. If you’re a parent and are contemplating divorce in Georgia, please review the information below, and contact a Lithonia family law attorney for additional guidance.
What do parenting plans address?
Physical custody – When a parent has primary physical custody of his or her child, the child lives with that parent. Georgia law does not favor one parent over the other, and joint physical custody is possible. However, joint physical custody can be hard on children, as it requires children to bounce between homes.
Legal custody – Legal custody allows one parent to make important decisions about how to raise his or her child. This includes decisions regarding things like:
- Medical care
- Education
- Extracurricular activities
Parenting time – Parenting time, which is also called visitation, is the time that a parent who doesn’t have primary physical custody spends with his or her child. Parenting time typically follows a set schedule that is tailored to the specific needs of each family. Parenting time schedules are often created based on things like:
- The parents’ work schedules
- The child’s school schedule
- The child’s extracurricular activities
How to ensure your parenting plan is a success
Parenting plans should be designed to benefit children. Therefore, when following a parenting plan, both parents should keep the needs of their children in mind. Below are some ways to ensure that your parenting plan is a success.
Focus on your kids – Regardless of the issues you have with your ex, always keep the needs of your children at the forefront. This means that you shouldn’t argue in front of them or speak badly about the other parent to them.
Maintain an open line of communication with your spouse – As noted above, parenting plans are intended to benefit children. Therefore, you must maintain an open and respectful line of communication with your ex. By communicating honestly and openly with your ex, you are ultimately benefiting your children.
Be consistent – Children require stability and consistency, especially during and after a divorce. Therefore, make sure you stick to your schedule. In addition, you and your ex should establish similar rules that your children must follow.
Contact a Lithonia family law lawyer
If you have family law needs in Georgia, you need an experienced family law attorney on your side. At the law office of E.N. Banks-Ware, we are committed to protecting the interests and well-being of you and your children. Whether handling divorce proceedings, negotiating a parenting plan, or assisting in any other area of family law, we will always ensure that your legal interests are properly represented. Therefore, if you have family law needs in Lithonia County or elsewhere in Georgia, please contact us today for a free consultation.