Parenting Plans

Separation and divorce are painful no matter who initiates the process. In the midst of this, decisions about the children's new living arrangements must be made.

How to divide their children's time between households is a major issue for parents. This includes:

The school year (overnights, time together, activities)
Summer vacation (overnights, time together, activities such a summer camp or vacation)
Holidays and special events
Transportation between homes

Other issues have to do with how responsibility for decisions and the children's well being will be shared. Parents should consider:

Responsibility for medical care, dental care, insurance, and co-pay
The children's educational needs
Religious observation
Provision for emergency situations (such as hurricanes)
Access to information and records
Routines in each household for young children
Child care and/or babysitters
New relationships
The role of extended family

There is no road map for navigating these complex decisions, but parents usually prefer to try to work them out together rather than resorting to the legal arena. Developing a new and cooperative relationship takes time and effort. However, once parents separate, there is an immediate need to develop a parenting plan.

Dr. van Beyer is a psychotherapist who has been working with families and children for over twenty five years. While she serves as a court appointed evaluator, she also assists families in creating their own parenting plans. She encourages families to create a structured plan as a way to benefit all parties involved, and avoiding legal involvement in families parenting decisions. For Dr. van Beyer, helping children and families who are going through separation and divorce to form a new two family system has been a challenge and pleasure. Contact Dr. van Beyer if you are are interested in developing a parenting plan to assist in your separation or divorce.