PARENTING PLANS
A parenting plan is an important by-product of the divorce mediation process. It is an essential tool required to ensure a cohesive and sustainable co-parenting relationship that works in the best interests of the children involved. Parenting plans are aimed at minimising the inevitable impact and disruption that the divorce will have on the children, and is the quickest and easiest way of implementing new routines while addressing any uncertainty children may feel throughout the process, and thus eliminating as many external stressors as possible. The goal is to provide your children with a sense of normalcy as quickly and easily as possible.
A parenting plan can be drawn up by a mediator, family psychologist or attorney, and is designed to address the following in detail, so as to make sure that both parents are on the same page:
- Children’s living arrangements i.e. which parent/guardian has them & when.
- Child maintenance
- Children’s schedules and parental contact
- Emergency care protocols
- Anything else pertinent to the children’s’ upbringing i.e. schooling, extracurricular activities, ideological or religious commitments, discipline etc.
A solid and thorough parenting plan will assist with establishing clear parental channels of communication. Consistency and stability are paramount for a parenting plan to be successful. A parenting plan, much like a mediated divorce, is all about tailoring an agreement that is best suited to the parties involved. The key point of difference however, is that a parenting plan must be drawn up in such a way so that it serves in the ‘best interests of the child’ in accordance with the South African Children’s Act 38 of 2005.
While formulating your parenting plan, it is important not to lose sight of the dependents that you are building your plan around. The children affected need to be a part of the mediation process as their views on the intended plan will be taken into account and given due consideration, as will their respective ages and therefore their reasoning capabilities at that age. With this particular point in mind, parenting plans will need to be reviewed as the children get older or if parental/guardian circumstances change. A parenting plan becomes a legally binding document once it is officially made an order by the court.
At Joselowitz & Andrews Attorneys we understand the sensitive nature of separation and divorce cases, especially those that involve children. Therefore we work hand in hand with social workers and psychologists to ensure that your children’s best interests remain the central focus.
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CHILD CUSTODY:
If you are going through a child custody battle, you need to familiarise yourself with the laws in South Africa and how the decisions about your child will be made. Joselowitz & Andrews Attorneys are experienced Family Law attorneys who assist parents and other parties in finding a resolution that is in the best interest of your children.
MEDIATION:
You do not have to go to court to request the services of professional Family Law attorneys. Many people choose to resolve issues by the way mediation. Mediation is a method of solving a conflict. Not going to court, allows you to save time and money by solving Child Custody Agreements, Divorce Agreements, Maintenance and Parenting Plans.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
Navigating the waters of divorce are tough, so we’ve compiled a list of tips for parents to help you through it. If you are a parent considering divorce, or if you are already involved in the process, you are probably wondering about the negative side effects it would have on your children. Separation or divorce is never easy, but it can be difficult when children are involved.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR FAMILY LAW NEEDS TODAY:
With our assistance, we encourage you to isolate the issues you are having, think about them and consider options to resolve your issues in ways that best suit your children. The South African Law places a heavy emphasis on the well-being of your child. As leading Family Law attorneys – we are your representation and our expertise allows us to effectively argue and negotiate the best possible agreement for you and your children. At Joselowitz & Andrews Attorneys we have both the knowledge and experience and we will always support you. We take your interests to heart and will represent everything you want and more. Contact us today and book an appointment – and let us look after you.