A parenting agreement sets the framework for how you and your spouse will work together to raise your children after your Pasadena divorce. Issues covered in a parenting agreement may include:
- The living arrangements of the children
- Visitation for the noncustodial parent
- Communication rules, such as how the noncustodial parent can contact the kids outside of visitation times
- Where the children will go to school
- Each parent's contributions for postsecondary education
- How the child's religious education will be handled
- Who is responsible for their medical care
- How financial responsibilities will be divided, including payments for camps and extracurricular activities
- How holidays will be celebrated
- Parameters for introducing the children to their parent's new romantic partner
If your child has a disability or special needs, your parenting agreement can include sections detailing how you'll handle the long term care requirements of your child once he or she is over the age of 18.
The parenting agreement is helpful because it keeps both you and your spouse focused on what is in the best interests of the children instead of your personal disagreements. Having a written guideline for how you'll handle common post-divorce issues prevents later arguments. Try to make your parenting agreement as specific as possible, even if your children are young enough that many of these issues don't seem pressing at the moment.
A parenting agreement can be made into a court order, which provides both parties with legal recourse if one person doesn't live up to the terms of the agreement.
You can involve an attorney in the creation of your parenting agreement, but using a counselor or a mediator may also be an option to consider.
How Can We Help?
If you have questions about the role of parenting agreements in the divorce process, please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com. Our Pasadena family law attorneys are eager to assist you with creating a divorce settlement that will be in the best interests of both you and your child.