Huntington Beach Parenting Agreement Lawyer

Also Serving Parents in Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, & Murrieta

When you separate as married or unmarried parents, or when you divorce and have minor children, you will need to create a parenting plan. These plans are also referred to as custody and visitation plans or time-sharing plans. They outline all the details regarding the rights and responsibilities of each parent, as well as a schedule detailing the overnights that the child will have with each parent. 

Having a written plan provides stable expectations for the child and helps to prevent conflicts between parents as they manage their child’s upbringing. These plans can be negotiated between you and your co-parent and presented to the court for approval. At Furubotten Law, we can educate you on what is needed in your plan, help you negotiate the practical aspects of a plan with the other parent, or help you in court to obtain a fair custody and visitation order. Our founding attorney has been assisting and representing parents in parenting plans and custody matters since 1996.

Parenting Plans in California

California courts provide recommendations for what to consider and include in your parenting plan. Basic information should include who has physical and/or legal custody of the child. Physical custody refers to the child’s living arrangements. Legal custody refers to who has the right to make decisions about the child’s health care, education, religious upbringing, extra-curricular activities, and other major aspects of the child’s life.

Time-sharing schedules should be detailed, including scheduled regular overnights with each parent, and how time will be shared for vacations, holidays, birthdays, and special events. Additionally, parents should agree on how children will be exchanged, how emergencies will be handled, and how to proceed when disagreements or conflicts arise. Our firm can guide you through the creation of your parenting agreement based on the unique aspects of your family’s needs and dynamics.

Parenting plans will vary based on a child’s age. What works for an infant may not work when the child reaches the age of three, enters school, or becomes a teen with greater social interests or extra-curricular activities. Furthermore, the courts may consider an older child’s preferences related to custody arrangements. 

Work with an Experienced Attorney

Working out a parenting plan can be challenging, especially in situations involving divorces or unmarried relationships that are not amicable. At Furubotten Law, we have decades of experience in handling contentious family law matters. Let us use our skills and knowledge to help you create a parenting agreement that works for you, supports your parental rights, and fulfills the court standard of serving your child’s best interests.

Need legal help with a parenting plan? Reach out to Furubotten Law online or at (714) 266-3400 to schedule a complimentary consultation about your case.