Visitation Order? Or Parenting Plan? Which is best?
NEVER EVER submit to an agreement of visitation on the Custodial parent's terms. Those terms are almost always lined up with the Court's understanding of what parenthood looks like when parents split. They assume the non-custodial parent doesn't care, so they're used to the "Every other Saturday from 12pm-6pm."
However, if you're sitting at the table across from your ex and the mediator, you don't have to "agree" to ANYTHING. And you don't have to wait for the judge to make the decision. Instead, introduce a Parenting Plan. The more complex, the better. You want to make sure every single base is covered, and the Custodial parent can't create a loophole in time and space to mess up your memories with your children. For instance, exactly WHEN is "every OTHER Saturday?" Who can keep track of that?
Instead, in your Parenting Plan, you have to include exact times and dates: "Every First and Third weekend of every month. A full weekend shall begin on Friday after school." And make sure your weekend ends on Monday when school starts. That way, you NEVER have to cross paths with your ex. And the child's school can work out an alternative bus route for the weekends you pick up and drop off the child to school. Be SMART: if there is a holiday any Monday, stipulate in your agreement that you keep the child an extra day, and drop her off on Tuesday, instead.
Again, a visitation agreement is not cut and dry, and you don't really care for your child if you're cool with a few hours on a Saturday. THIS IS A DISCLAIMER! As soon as you file for visitation in Family Court, do NOT be surprised if the Custodial parent makes up all kinds of lies about how you. (You will be SURPRISED about the stories they tell to block a visitation).
If you need help with visitation or custody matters, contact The Fatherhood Advocate and they will show you how to create a Parenting Plan that fits and works. All states welcome.
More information: info@fatherhoodadvocate.org
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