Separation and divorce can be hard for both the parents and the child. Besides other responsibilities, parenting schedules are one the most important arrangements to make post-separation or divorce. Co-parenting needs educating yourself about the different parenting schedules. This is key as it helps you to be consistent throughout the co-parenting phase. Moreover, having a routine helps the children to adjust and make arrangements in two different households. In this way, the children know when they get to see both of their parents. In this way, they make themselves comfortable and confident in their new living environment. All this can be tough to manage in an already difficult situation. It is best to use some help from a family law attorney who can help you in your difficult times.
In times when one parent needs to accommodate an unforeseen schedule, the conversation can be a nerve-wracking one. This is where legal help can simplify it for you. In very few cases, wherein the co-parents share a respectful relationship, it may be a smooth ride. But, due to past trauma and struggles, conflict-free parenting swaps are almost like navigating in a minefield.
We have brought in some rules for you to follow to keep parenting time swaps easy, clear-cut and straightforward.
Cut down on the number of swaps –
It is likely that there will be occasional changes in the regular parenting schedule. This could be because of family emergencies, last-minute work trips that can take one parent out-of-town or out-of-state even or any other unpredictable situation that can cause inconvenience for the co-parent. In situations like these, a modification of parenting plans for the week is necessary.
If this occurs once in a blue moon, it is not as hard to manage and adjust. But, when one parent is constantly requesting changes to be made in the scheduling, it can destroy the family’s peace and routine. Besides this, the children can be stressed as well due to frequent change of plan. In this way, both the child and the co-parent suffer to great extents. What is the best thing to do to avoid this? Well, it’s best to avoid making alterations, unless needed.
The need to change the parenting schedule now and then can mean that the original agreed-upon schedule is no longer the right fit for the family. If you or your partner needs to frequently change the schedule, it might be time to consider filing a petition to change the parenting plan in Tennessee. The involvement of the attorneys in Knoxville TN will ease the process for both parties.
Having a clear system to handle parenting swaps –
A well laid-out parenting plan with the help of an attorney in Knoxville TN should have stated rules for swap requests. This makes the difficult swapping conversation easy for both the parents’. We recommend introducing these points into the parenting plan modifications to have a clean and clear approach.
How often are swaps allowed?
To keep the swapping with a healthy limit, some parents like to include a swap request threshold in their agreement. It is completely onto the individual on how they calculate their limits. It could be on a monthly, every 3 months or annual basis. All we suggest is to be realistic and mindful of the limits set. At the end of the day, the family law Knoxville TN wants you, your child, and the co-parent to have a healthy and fun co-parenting relationship.
Setting too stringent limits to swap requests may be tricky when genuine requests will be denied if the limit is met. Too liberal limits may lead to occasional swapping. This will create confusion for the child as well as the co-parent leading to a conflicting situation. If you choose to set limits, it is important to do it wisely with the help of your family law attorney.
A reasonable time-frame of modification request –
When agreeing, the question “how far in advance the parenting time modification needs to be submitted?” This will create clarity in co-parenting. A decent time frame needs to be given for the co-parent to consider the request and make the required changes to accommodate the swap. Of course, there can be emergencies and exceptions that need a change in less than 24-48 hours.
Swaps or one-way changes?
Some of the parenting rules say that the parenting time changes should be true swaps. Any extra time asked by one parent should be balanced out by granting extra parenting time to the other parent. More so, a fair deal. But, in some liberal cases, there are one-way changes instead of swaps.
Documentation is the key to avoid conflicts –
Conflicts tend to begin with miscommunication. This can be easily avoided with accurate documentation. In cases where the parents’ opt for limited swaps, documentation is necessary to keep a track of the number of modifications requested.
The final word –
The key to managing a peaceful co-parenting journey is to work on it together. Also to be aware of the above rules before modifying your parenting plans. It is essential to keep the hurt and feeling aside and behave like you are starting fresh in a new relationship. Both parents should be aware of the fact that peaceful co-parenting is beneficial for their child and work on it accordingly. It may not always be easy which is why you have a family law attorney to help you out. Despite going your separate ways, the child can get the love of two families if brought up properly.
