For many divorcing parents, determining when children will spend time with each parent can be a challenge. There are many different factors to take into consideration, and most families have chaotic work and school schedules that make things even more complicated.
In Minnesota, the courts determine parenting time based on the best interest of any children involved in ending a marriage. Both parents should work together to ensure that they each have a continuing and positive relationship with each of their children. Here are a few tips to help make that possible.
1. Make room for compromise
If both parents are unwilling to compromise on parenting time and visitation, it can be nearly impossible to create a plan that works for everyone. When possible, parents should be willing to be flexible to ensure that time is as equal as possible, even if it means giving up a day here or there.
2. Plan for change
A parenting time plan that is set in stone may seem like the right choice at the time, but children grow and change, and the plan should too. There will likely be times when visitation schedules will have to be more flexible due to sports, holidays or extracurricular activities. Having this kind of flexibility written into the plan can prevent future conflict.
3. Prepare for different scenarios
While most parenting time will probably be run of the mill, there will also probably be times when things will have to change temporarily. It may be impossible to predict those events, but preparing ahead of time by outlining how to handle different scenarios can make decisions easier when they come up.
With these tips in mind, those going through a divorce may find it easier to create a parenting time plan that works for everyone.
