Shared Custody: Important Considerations When Drafting a Successful Parenting Plan
Divorce is an emotional and difficult process for couples to go through; however, it is often much more difficult for their children. Many studies show that a child who has both parents playing an active role in the child’s life does better in school, has better self-esteem, and has better emotional health compared to children whose parents are not active participants in their lives.
Kentucky child custody laws specifically state that custody will be determined in the “best interests of the child” with equal consideration given to both parents. Because situations exist where it is not in the best interest of the child to have both parents in his or her life (i.e. physical abuse, drug abuse, etc.), the family courts will always view the child’s best interest as the overriding factor in deciding child custody cases in Kentucky regardless of whether the parents are seeking joint, sole, or shared custody.
What is Shared Custody in Kentucky?
Kentucky courts may grant one parent sole custody to make all major decisions for the child and grant the non-custodial parent reasonable visitation. The court also has the option of granting joint custody where the parents share decision-making power; however, the child remains in the physical custody of one parent with a reasonable visitation schedule for the other parent.
Shared custody expands the concept of joint custody to allow each parent a more equal opportunity to spend time with the child and co-parent more effectively. For shared custody to be successful, parents must be able to be flexible; cooperate and communicate effectively; and, put the best interests of their child above their own.
Creating a Parenting Plan for Shared Custody
If you and your ex-spouse desire to explore a shared custody arrangement, you must have the ability to create an agreeable parenting plan that benefits your child and that both you and your ex-spouse can implement without problems in the future. A Kentucky family law attorney with extensive experience in shared custody will help you review the key considerations for a successful parenting plan in a shared custody agreement.
- Consider the Age of Your Children – You must be realistic when creating a time-sharing schedule for your children.
- Keep Siblings Together – Time-sharing agreements should attempt to keep all siblings together to avoid one or more of your children feeling left out. This can be specifically tricky in a blended family but just as important.
- Transportation Plan – Regardless of the distance between your homes, you must have an efficient and well-planned transportation system to avoid conflicts, confusion, and frustration.
- Living Schedule – This outlines where the children will live and how much time the children spend with the other parent each week. It should include detailed holiday plans, plans for when the children are out of school, and vacation plans.
The more time and effort you spend putting together a shared custody parenting plan the more benefits you and your children will receive as you and your ex-spouse enjoy raising your children together.
Contact Experienced Kentucky Shared Custody Attorneys
We’ve Helped Thousands of KY Families, we can help you!
The family law attorneys of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC help families develop parenting plans and visitation schedules that are in the best interest of the parents and the children. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience; therefore, you can trust you are receiving effective, efficient, and compassionate legal representation when you need it the most.
Our law firm represents clients throughout central Kentucky. Contact us at our Radcliff and Elizabethtown Office in Hardin County at (270) 351-6032 or toll-free at 1-800-754-HELP to schedule a free bankruptcy consultation. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.