One of the things you will need as a divorcing parent is a parenting plan.
Whether a Virginia family court orders one or you decide to create one yourself, a parenting plan comes with several advantages. Examples of these advantages include:
- Sets a consistent schedule for parents and children
- Helps you and your co-parent prepare in advance for events and holidays
- Promotes communication and cooperation between co-parents
- Increases security and stability for children of divorce
As you probably know, it is often hard for divorcing parents to agree on matters involving their children. However, it is usually worth the effort it takes to iron out equitable child custody and parenting plans.
Negotiation tips to consider
Perhaps the most critical tip when negotiating a custody pr parenting plan is to know what you are talking about in the first place. If you do not understand the child custody laws in Virginia, your final agreement might turn out to be worthless or legally invalid. Five more tips to consider using during your negotiations include the following.
- Be open to compromise with your co-parent
- Be polite and calm during your negotiations
- Be sure to listen to the ideas and opinions of your co-parent
- Be prepared to participate in more than one negotiation session
- Be sure to keep the best interests of your children at the heart of your child custody negotiations
The five tips above can improve all your child-related divorce negotiations, from creating a parenting plan to agreeing on child custody. Choosing to negotiate rather than to argue or fight may also improve parent-to-parent communications in the wake of your divorce. After all, you may have to continue dealing with your co-parent for the rest of your life, especially if you are both heavily involved in your children’s lives.
