Horenstein Family Law Blog
What is a Parenting Plan?
Posted: January 25, 2010
When parents, married or unmarried , are separated and trying to figure out who cares for the children when, they often use calendars to determine the schedule for each parent. When the parents are involved in a legal action such as divorce or paternity, Washington State law requires that they submit a parenting plan or residential schedule for the Court to adopt or approve. If the parties cannot agree to a schedule, a judge or commissioner will order a schedule. A parenting plan or residential schedule is one of the many mandatory forms required to be used by parents and courts. The forms can be downloaded free from the Washington Courts site:
These documents include sections on residential schedules, decision making, and dispute resolution procedures. The documents state where the children reside and when they have time with both parents as well as how the children are transported between homes and to and from their activities. Primarily the goal of the parenting plan/residential schedule is to address the physical and emotional needs of children by adopting a schedule in the best interests of the children. Sometimes parents cannot agree on what is in the best interests of their children and that is when the process becomes more stressful and potentially damaging to parents and their children. To the extent, parents can decide together what is in the best interests of their children, the process is much less painful and difficult. There are many resources to help parents work through these issues and in subsequent blog entries, I will review and share some of what is available to parents who are separating.
Disclaimer: This blog is written and published by The Scott Horenstein Law Firm and primarily written by Dru S. Horenstein for educational purposes only, i.e. to give information and a general understanding of Washington family law, not to provide specific legal advice. The information provided by this blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. Dru S. Horenstein is licensed to practice law in the State of Washington only.
You should not use the information in this blog to determine how your own legal case would be resolved. Every legal case is different and the smallest difference in facts between one case and another can alter the outcome and affect the legal advice you would receive from an attorney retained to represent you.
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The Scott Horenstein Law Firm, PLLC provides experienced legal counsel to clients with family law and personal injury needs in Washington. Our office is located in Vancouver and assists clients in Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, Amboy, Yacolt, Washougal, Woodland, and throughout Clark County, Washington. Call Today For An Initial Consultation: 360-699-1530.
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