Nebraska law requires parents to develop a parenting plan before a divorce can become final. Parenting plans discuss in detail what the co-parenting relationship will look like between former spouses. Some parenting plans are developed during the mediation process. While all parenting-plan mediations will address major parenting issues—such as routine parenting time, holiday parenting time, and legal decision making—it is important not to forget these important topics:
- What should vacation parenting time look like and much advanced notice should be given?
- How much telephonic or electronic communication access should our child have with the parent who is not exercising parenting time?
- What are the rules for grounding a child with a cellphone?
- How will our child’s clothing, toys, and belongings be shared between households?
- What will communication look like in case of an emergency for our child?
- How will we coordinate our child’s extra-curricular activities’ schedule?
- Are there any special occasions that should be a part of our holiday parenting time schedule?
- Should we include a right of first refusal in our parenting plan?
- If we cannot come to an agreement on an issue regarding our child, how will we resolve it?
A well-drafted parenting plan can provide stability and consistency to your co-parenting relationship. If some details are left unattended, it can incite the need to return to court. Your legal team at Koenig|Dunne is here to provide guidance and foresight in the mediation process and development of your parenting plan.
