Effective co-parenting is a crucial matter that must be resolved amidst a divorce or separation from a long-term partner. Ensuring your child’s best interests are protected and preserved while addressing and respecting your parental rights should never be left to chance.
If you are considering divorce or separation, working with a skilled Ballwin parenting plan lawyer on all child custody and visitation matters is wise. Even if you have an amicable relationship with your former spouse or partner, an attorney from our firm could help you deal with the complexities of the legal system while ensuring that your voice is heard and known at every stage of the divorce process. Our attorneys have creative ideas for unique parenting plan needs. Do not hesitate to contact Jones Family Law Group, LLC, if you have further questions about parenting plans or how one of our attorneys could assist you.
How Parenting Plans Work in Ballwin
Parenting plans in Ballwin can take many forms, depending on multiple factors. While the approval of any final parenting plan by the court will hinge upon the child’s best interests, these factors can include the preferences of you and your former spouse, the preferences of your child or children, and your ability to co-parent amicably with your former spouse.
Other factors the court may look at when determining whether to approve or deny a proposed parenting plan can include the nature and quality of the relationship you and your former spouse have with your child, any specific medical or educational needs your child has, as well as any background of neglect or abuse in either home environment that would indicate a risk of harm to your child. A Ballwin attorney from our firm could assist with executing and finalizing a parenting plan, from negotiating with your former spouse’s attorney to presenting your case in a courtroom if both parties cannot reach an agreement outside of a court setting.
Key Provisions in a Ballwin Parenting Plan
When creating a parenting plan in Ballwin, one crucial area where an attorney can provide legal guidance and support is in determining custody arrangements. Missouri has two primary forms of custody: Physical custody, which indicates the actual physical time spent with your child, and legal custody, which indicates which party has the right to make final decisions about the child, such as healthcare, religion, and education.
Unless a joint arrangement opposes your child’s best interests, courts often favor such plans so both parents can continue to play a meaningful role in their child’s life. Physical and/or legal custody may be shared. In some situations, it may be in the child’s best interests for one parent to retain both physical and legal custody.
Beyond custody and visitation matters, parenting plans can address a broad scope of issues. These can include provisions such as the means of transferring your child between both households for your allotted parenting time, who will cover the child’s medical insurance needs, methods of resolving disagreements after the execution of the parenting plan (if and when they arise), and how miscellaneous expenses will be covered. Parenting plans can even determine the method by which parents communicate.
Rely on a Ballwin Parenting Plan Attorney Today
No matter how complex or straightforward your parenting plan is, an attorney could help walk you through the process and give you peace of mind. You can rest assured knowing that your interests and those of your child are given the attention they need and deserve.
Whether you have questions about creating a parenting plan or responding to your former spouse’s parenting plan requests, now is the time to speak with a diligent attorney from our firm. Call Jones Family Law Group, LLC, to discuss your case with seasoned legal counsel.