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The Importance of an Attorney's Role in Creating a Parenting Plan
Scott P. Davis, Attorney at Law ©2013
Enduring the emotional, practical and financial difficulties of a divorce can be daunting, and when children are involved the process becomes even more challenging. Your biggest priority is likely coming to an agreement regarding how you will continue to raise your children. An attorney can provide divorced or divorcing couples with practical steps to creating a parenting agreement.
A child custody attorney is dedicated to ensuring that the children of individuals involved in a divorce, guardianship or custody negotiation have their best interests represented. Usually both parents will have a hearing with the court to determine child custody. Although parents are not obligated to have attorneys present, it is not recommended that a parent go at it alone because a lawyer's familiarity with the law can be a decisive factor in a child custody determination.
A parenting agreement is drafted after the court hearing is complete, and must be entered into the court before it becomes valid. A parenting plan should include pertinent information such as sole or joint legal and physical custody, living arrangements, visitation rights, drop-off and pick-up locations and times, child support expenses, education, medical care and emergency decisions, religious studies and how holidays will be spent. It is rare for both parents to agree on all of these aspects of a parenting plan, and an attorney can help with making those negotiations and determinations. A lawyer is also acquainted with the correct format for writing the agreement that is required by the court.
When a situation is particularly complex, an attorney's role is essential in creating a parenting plan. Complicated cases can involve children with special needs, parents in the military, child or parent relocation, substance abuse of one or both parents, domestic violence, non-traditional families and cases in which joint custody is awarded. Experienced attorneys work with experts like child psychologists and physicians in order to decide and to obtain evidence as to what is in the best interests of the child.
Finally, there are many situations under which agreed upon parenting agreements may need to be altered. Common reasons for modifications are that one parent moves farther away, there may be a dangerous situation in the custodial parent's home or the child could prefer to live with the noncustodial parent. Courts don't take modification of custody arrangements lightly, so if you plan on trying to modify your agreement it is urged that you speak with an attorney who can help prepare evidence to support a modification.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Attorney Scott P. Davis is a certified family law expert. He practices law in Tampa, Florida and helps clients through matters of divorce, child custody and support issues, paternity, and more. For more information on parenting plans and child custody visit Scott P. Davis- Child Custody Parenting Plans.
Mr. Davis can be contacted by phone at 813-251-6222 or Visit Web Site
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