When you break up with the parent of your minor children, you might make a parenting plan with your ex to handle certain custody and parenting issues. Do you still need to make a parenting plan if you’re granted sole custody?
While Minnesota doesn’t require a parenting plan (although they may make one on your behalf), having a sole custody parenting plan can be helpful. As long as your ex didn’t commit spousal or child abuse, putting certain details in writing may help avoid confusion later.
What is a parenting plan?
Parenting plans outline custody and visitation arrangements as well as conflict resolution processes. Parents may also agree to add other elements as necessary, such as parenting goals, communication guidelines, who will pay certain expenses, which activities the children will participate in and more.
Once reviewed and approved by the court, they become a legally binding document that the parents have to follow.
Why have a sole custody parenting plan?
Whether a sole custody parenting plan is prudent depends on the unique circumstances of your divorce. Just because one parent has sole physical custody doesn’t mean that there aren’t still important issues to consider.
For instance, one parent may have sole physical custody because the other parent frequently travels for work. They can still share legal custody, or decision-making power over the children. The noncustodial parent may have visitation rights when they’re home. Creating a parenting plan helps set expectations for both parents. It also gives parents legal recourse if the other violates the agreement.
To learn more about sole custody and parenting plans, reach out to the experienced custody lawyers at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. in St. Paul, MN today.
