Document Package Overview

Software
Documents are in Microsoft Word format.
Software package includes all sections listed.

Parenting Documents
The Parenting Plan is divided into three sections: Arrangements, Rights/Responsibilities and Financial
The three sections are divided into several topics to make it easier to focus on one area at a time.  These parenting plan topics are meant to give each parent a meaningful and active role in his/her children’s lives.

On some of the parenting plan topics, there are several samples to give you ideas for different options.
Each parenting plan guideline has spaces for the parents to initial as agreements/arrangements are made.

This Parenting Plan does not contain the words “custodial” or “non-custodial” parent, because these words could be conceived as non-friendly labels to a parent.  Parenting Plans show no bias as to who gets more or less parenting time or who pays financial support, this avoids stereotyping one parent due to one’s gender.

Parenting Time Schedules
This section is designed to give you ideas on options, times and days, for parenting time with your children.

Table Documents
Tables are designed to assist you in collecting and organizing information.
These tables can be customized to meet your needs in collecting and organizing information.

Divorce
No Two Divorces Are The Same: Make your parenting plan in your children’s best interest.
Submitting a parenting plan with guidelines will show that you care about your children’s future.
Work with the other parent on the parenting plan and guidelines for the best interest of your children.

Parenting Plan
Get your parenting plan and guidelines done!
It can be very difficult when there are no parenting plans and guidelines to follow, or to refer to, when disagreements arise.  If you did not have guidelines set during your preliminary hearing or final hearing, except visitation, it is not to late.  Make sure you have an active role in your children’s lives and be more than a “weekend" parent.  Be an active parent!  Children need two active parents; this is a two-home approach!

Modify these parenting plans and guidelines to fit your family situation no matter which parent gets more/ less time with the children.  Always consider what is in the best interest of your children!

Remember
It is best for the children if the parents can decide together on a co-parenting plan and guidelines!
It is the intent of Family Mediation Center to help parents make a parenting plan and guidelines that are in the best interest of their children.  Because every divorce is different, parents of children should decide together what is in their children’s best interest.  If a parenting plan cannot be reached, the court will decide on one.

If you have to go to court, being prepared will increase your chances of winning joint custody. 
Unfortunately, however, there are no guarantees.  Always make the most of the time you’re given!

The Best Interest of The Children Comes First!

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