Parenting Plan

In Utah, a parent-time plan is an essential agreement that is finalized through what’s called a parenting plan, which helps guarantee a structured schedule where the non-custodial parent can see their child on a regular basis.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

When parties have children, and they no longer desire to stay married or otherwise together, they should seek to have a formal arrangement for the custody, parent-time schedule and a “parenting plan” for the children’s continued upbringing.   A parenting plan will set forth the manner the parties’ will parent the child after the divorce (or separation of the parties)  as well as set forth a schedule for the parent-time.  A Parent-time schedule refers to the schedule for a parent to have the children in their physical care.  If the parents cannot agree upon a parent-time schedule with the minor children, then it will be submitted to the Court to make temporary and/or a final determination as to the  schedule.

Parenting plans are incorporated into any final document for divorce, paternity or  custody actions.  These plans exists to reduce future conflicts or confusion between the parents during their children’s upbringing.

What Do You Have to Include in a Parenting Plan?

While parenting plans are an official document that both parents will rely on for years to come, Utah parenting plans have to meet specific criteria. Some of the state-mandated requirements include answering these questions:

• How will you both resolve disagreements on decisions for your children? Will it be through counseling, mediation, or arbitration?
• Where will your children reside on specific days, including birthdays and holidays?
• Which parent, if not both, will make decisions about the children’s education, religion, and healthcare decisions during upbringing?
• If one parent wants to relocate, how will this change the parent-time plan? Who will pay for the travel expenses? How much notice will you require before relocation?

In addition to these above information, parents often will include additional information in their parenting plans, to include:

• Types and times of extra-curricular activities
• Extended family time
• Language and culture
• Travel requirements, such as who will pay certain expenses
• How and when a parent would communicate with the child
• How and when parents will communicate with each other (texting or calling)
• Safety requirements
• Lifestyle and discipline expectations
• Computer usage
• Diet and nutrition
• Pets, like whose house at which they will stay

Unfortunately, not everyone abides by their parent-time plan. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a well-versed attorney who can help ensure that you have an effective  outline before finalizing it as your family’s official parent-time guidelines.

Contact Schmidt Law Firm Today

A well designed Parenting plan should provide an effective road map for parents to reduce conflicts for both parents and children once the case has concluded.

If you need a parenting plan or your former spouse (or the child’s other parent) is not adhering to the agreed-upon guidelines, then Schmidt Law Firm can help you today. With decades of practice in family law, there is no case too little or too big for the Schmidt Law firm and our legal team.  Contact Schmidt Law today for a 30-minute legal consultation.

Checklist for Parenting Plan –

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Parenting Plan –

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Pointers for Parents and Parenting Plans –

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