What is a Parenting Plan in Missouri?
For parents, nothing is more important than their children. If you are getting a divorce, one of the most contentious issues you may deal with during the process is child custody. In Missouri, a written parenting plan is required for all child custody cases. You can either negotiate it with your co-parent outside of court or, if you cannot agree on a parenting plan, you can each submit a plan to the court. After reviewing each plan, the judge will either accept one of the submitted plans or create a new one for you.
Parenting Plans in Missouri
When creating a parenting plan to submit to the court, there are several things you will have to include. Working with an experienced family law attorney is essential during this process.
Here are some of the items your parenting plan should include:
- A written visitation schedule
- A written plan on how major decisions are made on behalf of the child and who gets to make those decisions
- Who provides medical insurance for the child
- Information regarding child care
- Procedures you will follow for communicating with your co-parent
- Methods for how you will resolve disputes with your co-parent
- How you should divide and share expenses, such as transportation, health insurance, child care, and more
- Child support
A judge will consider the plans submitted by each parent. However, the decision will ultimately rest on the best interests of the children.
Below are some of the factors a judge will consider when deciding on an arrangement that supports the best interests of the children:
- The wishes of the child's parents as to custody and the proposed parenting plan submitted by both parties;
- The needs of the child for a frequent, continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents and the ability and willingness of parents to actively perform their functions as mother and father for the needs of the child;
- The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests;
- Which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent, continuing and meaningful contact with the other parent;
- The child's adjustment to the child's home, school, and community;
- The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, including any history of abuse of any individuals involved;
- The intention of either parent to relocate the principal residence of the child; and
- The wishes of a child as to the child's custodian.
Schedule a Case Evaluation with an Experienced Child Custody Attorney Today!
If you are divorcing your spouse, the family law team at Lake Munro, LLC can provide the knowledgeable representation you need to smoothly navigate it and secure the best possible results for your case. You can rely on our team to create personalized strategies that effectively address your unique goals and needs.
Reach out to our law office today at (314) 648-2186 to request a complimentary initial case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your case.
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