In Virginia, courts recommend that divorced couples create a parenting plan to ensure fairness. This can offer a solution that allows both parents to be involved in the decision-making process over their child’s living situation, scheduling, education and extracurricular activities.

Although parenting plans vary from one couple to another, most of them must address the following key areas:

Choosing a type of parenting schedule

The parenting schedule you agree on with your co-parent may depend on your custody arrangement and visitation rights. If you have a joint legal or shared physical custody, you may want to consider one of the following schedules:

• 2-2-3 schedule: The child lives with you for two days, transfers to your partner for two days and then returns to you for another three days. The rotation reverses weekly.

• 3-4-4-3 schedule: The child lives with you for three days, then with your partner for four days. The arrangement reverses the following week.

• Alternating weeks schedule: You and your partner have the child for a week at a time.

If you have sole custody of your child, you can create a visitation schedule with the other parent. However, the arrangement will depend on the visitation rights granted to your co-parent.

Planning for holidays, school breaks and other occasions

Your parenting plan should also tackle the schedule for holidays and special events. Discuss with your co-parent and decide how you will divide time for events such as summer break, Thanksgiving or Christmas. For instance, you might agree that the child spends time with your co-parent for the entire summer and then winter break with you.

Deciding on the child’s education and activities

If you and your former spouse have joint legal custody, both of you have the right to decide on your child’s education and extracurricular activities. Part of this step includes discussing and arranging schedules so that the transition from one parent to the other runs smoothly. Consider including factors such as who gets to bring or pick up the child to and from school.

Modifying the parenting plan

Unexpected events may occur, and they could strain the agreement you had with your former spouse. Maintaining open communication is key to drafting a flexible parenting plan. Talk to your co-parent about issues that may arise in the future and decide on modifications that benefit both parties and are in the best interest of your child.

What to do if you cannot reach an arrangement with your partner

Encountering differences with a co-parent while creating a parenting plan happens. The effects of divorce can lead to heightened emotions and frustrations between you and your former spouse. If you find it difficult to agree with your co-parent, consider seeking mediation from an attorney. This option may lower the emotional stress and help you find a quick resolution.