Parenting Plans & Issues Attorney in Dothan, Alabama

Divorce and separation can be particularly challenging when children are involved. A parenting plan can minimize conflict and protect the well-being of your children. The family law attorney at Reese & Reese Attorneys, P.C. addresses parenting plans in detail so that you can make the best decision for your family. 

If you are in Dothan, Alabama, or Ozark, Enterprise, Daleville, or Fort Rucker, and need assistance with parenting plans or other family law matters, consider reaching out to Reese & Reese Attorneys, P.C. today. 

What Is a Parenting Plan? 

A parenting plan specifies how parents will raise their children after separation or divorce. It contains details on living arrangements, visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and parental communication about their children.

The goal is to provide a structured and predictable environment and eliminate stress and uncertainty for the children.  

Why Do You Need a Parenting Plan? 

A parenting plan can reduce conflicts between parents and create a sense of stability for the children.

It gives parents a say in their children’s upbringing, rather than leaving important decisions solely to the court. A detailed parenting plan can prevent conflicts about parental responsibilities and expectations. It also enables both parents to maintain strong and meaningful relationships with their children, which is critical for their emotional development. 

What Should be Included in a Parenting Plan? 

A comprehensive parenting plan should cover various aspects of child-rearing, including: 

Custody Arrangements 

• Physical custody: This determines where the children will live. It can be sole (one parent) or joint (both parents share time). 

• Legal custody: This involves decision-making about the children's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious instruction. Like physical custody, it can be sole or joint. 

Visitation Schedules 

• Regular schedule: Specifies regular, consistent times for the children to spend with each parent. 

• Holiday schedule: Outlines how holidays, birthdays, and special occasions will be shared between parents. 

• Vacation planning: Details how vacation time will be divided and any notice requirements. 

• Decision-making responsibilities: Outlines how major decisions about the children's welfare will be made, including a process for resolving disagreements. 

Communication protocols 

Establishes guidelines for how parents will communicate with each other and the children, including methods (e.g., phone, email) and frequency. 

Relocation clauses 

Defines the procedures and requirements if a parent plans to move, including notice periods and how the move will affect the parenting plan. 

Financial Responsibilities 

• Child support: Specifies each parent's financial obligations, including the amount, frequency, and method of payments. 

• Extra-Curricular activities: Specifies how costs related to sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities will be shared between parents. 

Emergency Protocols 

• Medical emergencies: Establishes procedures for handling medical emergencies, including who is responsible for decision-making and how to contact the other parent. 

• Natural disasters or other emergencies: Outlines a plan to ensure the children's safety during unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or significant family crises. 

Parenting Plans in Alabama 

Alabama law requires parents to submit a parenting plan that prioritizes the best interests of the child when seeking custody arrangements. Several factors are considered, including: 

• The child's relationship with each parent: Courts assess each parent's emotional bond and level of involvement with the child. 

• The child's age and needs: Younger children may require more stability, while older children may have preferences regarding their living arrangements. 

• Each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs: This includes financial stability, physical and emotional well-being, and the parent's ability to support the child's education and healthcare. 

• Parental cooperation: It is important for each parent to be willing and able to cooperate with the other and facilitate a positive relationship between the child and the other parent. 

• History of abuse or neglect: Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect is a significant factor in custody decisions. 

• Living accommodation: The adequacy and suitability of each parent's living accommodation are also considered, to ensure they can provide a safe and stable environment for the child.  

• Child's educational opportunities: The court evaluates each parent's capacity to support the child's educational development, including access to good schools and extracurricular activities. 

Common Parenting Issues 

Issues can arise even with a detailed parenting plan. Here are some common problems: 

Schedule changes 

Flexibility is important, but so is consistency. It is important to communicate openly about necessary changes and agree on adjustments that serve the child's best interests. 

Decision-making conflicts 

A clear decision-making process in the parenting plan can address disagreements about education, medical care, or extracurricular activities. Mediation or legal advice from Reese & Reese Attorneys, P.C. can also offer solutions. 

Communication breakdown 

Effective communication is key to successful co-parenting. Establishing regular check-ins and using communication tools can help maintain positive relationships. If issues persist, seeking advice from a family law attorney can provide strategies to improve interactions. 

Non-compliance with the plan 

Occasionally, one parent may not adhere to the terms of the parenting plan, causing frustration and conflict. These issues must be addressed promptly, possibly with the assistance of legal counsel, to enforce the plan and prioritize the child's needs. 

Parental alienation 

In some cases, one parent may attempt to undermine the child's relationship with the other parent, a situation known as parental alienation. This can be highly detrimental to the child's emotional well-being. Professional guidance from a family therapist or legal intervention may be necessary to protect the child's best interests and ensure they maintain healthy relationships with both parents.