When issues or potential conflicts arise around child custody, parenting plans, custody agreements, divorce or similar issues:
remember that fear means you are getting closer to the truth
imagine yourself in the other person’s position
know the impact your behavior has upon others
acknowledge that your family relationships are the highest priority
remember that your reputation is always in issue
value the importance of staying “in relationship” and not checking out
When thinking about how to reach a resolution:
be willing to reach mutually satisfactory agreements
avoid posturing, tantrums, and “all or nothing” ultimatums
have no judgment about the other’s lifestyle, ideas or plans
identify mutual needs and interests that serve ...
What is the difference between a custody agreement and a parenting plan?
A custody agreement is usually two or three pages and addresses legal and physical custody, the child's primary residence, and a brief co-parenting schedule.
A parenting plan goes into much more detail and addresses healthcare, education (schools, classes, tutors, special education), childcare/daycare, religious worship/training, detailed co-parenting schedules (daily, weekly, monthly, vacations, holidays, holy days), living situations (move-away, commuting, residents), sports (school/league/neighborhood), travel (permissions, locations, timing), financial (child support, tax exemption, add-ons), lifestyle (drug/alcohol/dating/sex) and much more.
