Parents going through a divorce, as well as those who’ve never been married, must go through the legal process of establishing a formal child custody arrangement. Even if you and the other parent are willing to cooperate to draft an agreement, you’ll still have to create a parenting plan describing your children’s living situation and establishing a visitation schedule. Below are some of the most important aspects to consider when drafting this plan.

3 Steps for Preparing a Parenting Plan

1. Establishing Paternity

The husband is automatically assumed to be the father of any child born to a married couple, but unmarried parents will have to petition the court to have their paternal rights recognized. The requirements for establishing paternity vary from state to state. For instance, in Georgia, parents may simply submit a birth certificate with the name of the father, but some situations may call for a paternity test, as well.

2. Deciding on a Resolution Method

Ideally, the child’s parents will be able to work together to come up with a parenting plan that both parties find acceptable, but this isn’t always the case. Mediation with a skilled child custody lawyer can help you resolve disputes and find solutions with minimal friction, but if an agreement isn’t possible, litigation may be your only choice.

3. Determining the Best Interests of the Child

Every parenting plan must be submitted to the family court for approval to ensure it respects the rights of both parents and protects the best interests of the child. An experienced family lawyer can review your prospective plan and explain how the judge will determine what is best for your children.

As the oldest active law firm in Jackson County, GA, Davidson Hopkins & Alexander has an 80-year reputation for excellent service and legal expertise. If you’re involved in a child custody dispute, their passionate legal team will represent your interests and work to achieve the best outcome for both you and your children. Visit their website to learn more about what they do. To discuss your child custody issues with a knowledgeable member of their team, give them a call at (706) 367-5264 today.