Navigating a divorce or separation can be challenging, especially when children are involved. The well-being of children is at the heart of every child custody matter in Connecticut, and a well-crafted parenting plan is the primary tool to ensure their stability. 

At Darius Law Group, LLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to create such an agreement. Our mission is to provide compassionate and individualized guidance to help parents create a plan that prioritizes their children’s best interests and protects their parental rights.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents about how they will raise their children after separation or divorce. It goes beyond simple schedules and creates a framework for cooperation and shared responsibility. In Connecticut, “custody” refers to physical care of the child, while “visitation” refers to time spent with them. However, modern practice emphasizes shared parenting time and decision-making, which are detailed in the plan.

A well-thought-out plan minimizes future conflicts by establishing clear expectations for both parents and ensuring consistency and stability for children. The goal is to protect a child’s best interests, which are the standard used by Connecticut courts when reviewing any custody agreement.

Key Components of a Connecticut Parenting Plan

An effective parenting plan should be highly detailed and tailored to the specific needs of your family. While every plan will be different, they all should address the following important areas:

Decision-Making Authority

This specifies which parent has the final say on major decisions affecting the child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Joint legal custody is common, but the plan must detail how parents will resolve disagreements if they arise.

Parenting Time Schedule

This is a detailed calendar that outlines when the child will be with each parent. It includes the regular weekly schedule, holidays, school breaks, summer holidays, and birthdays. The schedule should be as specific as possible to avoid confusion.

Transportation and Exchange

The plan should specify how the child will be transported between their homes, including the location, timing, and procedures for exchange. This helps to ensure a smooth and predictable transition for the child.

Communication

Establishing guidelines for how parents and children will communicate with each other during their parenting time, such as phone calls and video chats, is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

Dispute Resolution

A plan cannot anticipate every possible issue, so including a clause that requires mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution before going to court can save time, money and stress.

Relocation

A clause outlining the process if one parent wishes to relocate to a significant distance is crucial for future planning.

How to Create a Parenting Plan in Connecticut

There are two main ways to create a legally binding parenting arrangement in Connecticut:

1. By Agreement (Most Common): Parents can work together, often with the help of their attorneys or a mediator, to negotiate and draft a plan that they both find acceptable. This collaborative approach gives parents the most control over the outcome. Once the agreement is signed, it is submitted to the court for review and incorporation into a court order. At Darius Law Group, LLC, we are skilled negotiators who are adept at helping parents reach amicable agreements that put children first.
2. By Court Order: If parents are unable to agree on terms, the court may intervene. Each parent can submit a proposed parenting plan. The court will hold hearings and consider evidence to make a decision based on the child’s best interests as defined by Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-56. A judge will issue an order for a parenting plan that both parties must follow. Our firm has experienced litigators who are prepared to advocate for your parental rights in court if necessary.

Why a Well-Drafted Plan Matters

A vague or incomplete parenting plan can lead to continuous conflict. However, a detailed plan can provide clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and allow your children to thrive in a structured and predictable environment. This is a living document that can be adjusted as your children grow and circumstances change. Having a strong foundation is crucial when creating a plan.

Let Us Guide You Through the Process

Creating a parenting plan is a complex process that requires careful consideration and a deep understanding of Connecticut’s laws. It can be challenging to navigate this journey alone, but the team at Darius Law Group is here to help. We are dedicated to providing you with passionate advocacy and compassionate guidance to ensure a positive future for your family.
Protect your relationship with your child by scheduling a free consultation with one of our experienced Child Custody and Visitation Attorneys today. We can help you create a parenting plan that is best for your family and ensures a healthy relationship between you and your child.