For those that might not be familiar with this type of parenting, a shared parenting plan can be adopted after a divorce or a separation where the child spends time with each of the parents separately. Ideally, the child will move from one parent’s home to another but there is also another form of arrangement known as the Bird’s nest where the child will stay in one home and the parents alternate around that.
For this type of parenting to work, the time that the child spends with each of the family members is supposed to be equal. Anything less than 35% is not be regarded as shared parenting.
The intention of a shared parenting plan is to ensure that Creating a joint parenting plan through family mediation involves a neutral third party to help parents develop a written parenting plan that serves the children’s best interests. This plan, which can be an online parenting plan or a word version, outlines parenting time, health care, and child arrangements. It becomes a legal document when formalized into a consent order or court order, ensuring joint legal custody and clear parental responsibility. The Ministry of Justice and local authorities, such as CAFCASS, may be involved to assess the family’s situation and ensure the child’s safety, especially if there’s an immediate risk of harm. Communication methods, like email, are established to manage practical issues and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. This process goes a long way in creating a stable environment for the child, supported by carers and other involved parties. both parent take equal care of their children.
A shared parenting plan offers numerous benefits for both children and parents. It fosters stronger relationships between children and each parent by ensuring both are actively involved in their lives. This balanced approach helps children feel more secure and reduces feelings of loss or abandonment. Additionally, shared parenting minimizes loyalty conflicts, where children feel torn between parents, and promotes healthier emotional development.
For parents, it encourages cooperation and reduces misunderstandings, creating a more stable and harmonious environment. Overall, a well-structured shared parenting plan supports the well-being of the entire family, helping everyone adjust more smoothly to the changes brought by divorce.
• The child and their needs should be prioritised and the child’s opinion on the arrangements as they grow and age.
• Supportive, cooperative parenting has to be agreed upon and the arrangements have to be flexible.
• Both households should be able to make the child feel comfortable and at home.
Should there be a conflict of interest in any parent, they should be able to put it aside and look out for the interests of the child.
The parents should also make sure that they do not interfere with each other’s parenting, they have to compromise unless the child is put at risk. The parenting methods maybe different but the goal is the same.
In the event that the parents have an outstanding issue, there are ways that they can be able to explore that can make this type of parenting work.
For instance, they can have handovers and the best way to do this would be picking the child up from school or through intermediaries.
Recently, the courts have found the number situations in which shared parenting is ideal to grow and consequently, some of the difficulties that have faced this type of arrangement have been solved.
The courts tend to view shared parenting as the default method of parenting and will work toward sole residence of the children in very exceptional circumstances.
1. Communication and Cooperation: Effective communication between co-parents is crucial. Both parties need to be willing to cooperate and maintain a respectful dialogue. This ensures that decisions regarding the child’s welfare are made jointly and that any conflicts are resolved amicably. It’s important to establish clear communication channels and agree on how to handle disagreements.
2. Stability and Consistency: Children thrive on stability and consistency. Before opting for shared parenting, consider how you can maintain a consistent routine for your child. This includes regular schedules for school, extracurricular activities, and visitation. Consistency helps children feel secure and reduces the stress associated with moving between two households.
3. Financial Considerations: Shared parenting can have financial implications. Both parents need to discuss and agree on how to handle expenses related to the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. It’s essential to have a clear financial plan to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the child’s needs are met.
4. Emotional Readiness: Both parents must be emotionally ready for shared parenting. This involves setting aside personal differences and focusing on the child’s best interests. It’s important to be prepared for the emotional challenges that may arise and to seek support if needed, whether through counseling or support groups.
5. Legal Agreements: Having a formal legal agreement in place can provide clarity and prevent disputes. This agreement should outline the custody arrangement, visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and financial obligations. Consulting with a family lawyer can help ensure that the agreement is fair and in the best interest of the child.
6. Flexibility and Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. Both parents need to be flexible and willing to adapt to new situations. This might involve adjusting schedules or making compromises to accommodate the child’s needs. Flexibility is key to making shared parenting work smoothly.
7. Child’s Perspective: Always consider the child’s perspective. It’s important to listen to their feelings and preferences and involve them in the decision-making process when appropriate. Ensuring that the child feels heard and valued can make the transition to shared parenting easier for them.