Syracuse Attorney Helps Clients Establish Parenting Plans

Thorough Central New York lawyer negotiates custody and visitation terms

In New York, couples going through a divorce or a separation are required to draft a parenting plan that details their basic custody agreement. While many couples are able to work together and create a plan that works for both parties and meets their child’s needs, others reach an impasse and so must abide by the determination of the court. At Bombardo Law Office, P.C. in Syracuse, I assist Central New York clients with parenting plans whether serious disputes exist or they simply need to formalize already agreed-upon arrangements.

The primary goals of a parenting plan

Developing a comprehensive parenting plan with the assistance of a qualified family attorney can help you, your co-parent and your children move forward successfully. Having assisted Central New York residents for more than 27 years, I know that a sound plan can avert potential problems later. While creating a parenting plan, you should attempt to ensure that certain goals are fulfilled, including that:

• Your child can continue to have a close relationship with both parents
• Both parents will be consistently involved in the child’s life
• Your child feels loved and safe
• You and your co-parent will share the responsibility of caring for the child
• You have a parenting schedule you can rely and count on
  

Focusing on these goals can help parents put aside their differences and create a plan that is best for their child. When a couple is unable to come to an agreement, a court will be required to create a custody arrangement, which takes a significant amount of control out of the hands of the parents.

The details of a parenting plan 

By concentrating on your child’s well-being and taking the time to engage in honest discussion and negotiation, you might be better able to create a parenting plan that appropriately addresses key custody and visitation matters, such as:

• Parenting time arrangements, including where the child will stay during the week, on weekends, during holidays, birthdays, and during summer, winter and spring school breaks
• Whether one or both parents will have the authority and responsibility to make decisions about the child’s health, education, religion and extracurricular activities
• If the child will be able to visit grandparents and extended family
• How exchanges of the child will take place, including where and when the child will be dropped off or picked up
• Rules for sharing information regarding the child, such as grades, health issues, educational progress and test scores
• What steps will be taken if one parent chooses to relocate
• How and when parents can communicate with their child when he or she is in the other parent’s custody
• The process for making changes to the visitation schedule
• Household rules regarding cell phone use, dating, homework, employment and curfews
• Who will provide child support

I work with each client personally in pursuit of a resolution that gives sons and daughters the best chance to thrive after a difficult experience.

Factors used when courts determine child custody arrangements

If a couple is unable to come to an agreement on a parenting plan, the court will step in and create a child custody and visitation arrangement. In creating a plan, courts take a variety of factors into consideration, including:

• The health, stability, lifestyle and schedules of both parents
• Whether either parent has a criminal record or has been accused of child abuse or domestic violence
• Which parent has historically been the child’s primary caregiver
• Each parent’s financial ability to provide a safe and healthy environment for the child
• Each child’s age, gender, routine and educational needs
• The emotional bond between a child and each of the parents
• Whether the parents are willing to work together in regards to decision-making and resolving conflicts
• Whether one or even both of the parents has safety issues that must be addressed, including drug or alcohol abuse
  

While these considerations may factor into a court’s analysis, a judge can look at any information he or she thinks is pertinent when deciding what is in the best interests of the child.

Contact a knowledgeable Syracuse lawyer about creating a parenting plan

Bombardo Law Office, P.C. in Syracuse represents parents in negotiations, mediations and court proceedings related to the establishment of parenting plans. To schedule a free legal consultation, call 315-800-4002 or contact me online.