In Maryland it is common for divorcing and separating co-parents to become contentious when handling custody, access, and parenting plans for their children. Most parents want to have a loving and supportive custody arrangement that promotes the growth and development of their children. A comprehensive Maryland Parenting Plan can be a useful guide that helps parents to provide and maintain a supportive custody arrangement.
Maryland Parenting Plan Required Topics in Prince George’s County, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Since 2019, Maryland requires parenting plans in all custody related cases. Every parenting plan should, at minimum cover the following topics:
- Decision Making Authority. Governs topics such as education, religion, medical care, and mental health needs.
- Communication between the parties.
- Information Sharing. Covers method of relaying information regarding your child’s wellbeing, education, and medical needs.
- School. Conveys the type of school, the name o the school, and related concerns
- Extracurricular Activities. Details how the parents will manage sport, recitals, practices, etc.
- Childcare. Addresses selecting the childcare provider and related concerns.
- Transportation. Details exchange time, drop off/ pick up locations and travel out of state or out of the country.
- Parenting Time. Establishing and defining the child time with each co-parent. Should include holidays, school breaks, and provisions regarding emergency modifications.
- Disputes. Regarding what to do when the co-parents are at an impasse regarding disagreements.
Maryland Parenting Plan Tips for Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
In addition to addressing the above topics, when crafting a parenting plan it is important to consider the following Maryland Parenting Plan Tips.
- An anti-disparagement clause. Consider including language preventing the parents from disparaging one another in front of their children. This could potentially help your children manage the divorce and maintain a more positive relationship with both parents.
- A social and general media clause. The internet can play a large role in the lives of children. Both parents should agree on boundaries regarding how their child spends time on social media and what kinds of media they are allowed to consume.
- A clause itemizing costs. Splitting costs for things like health insurance can quickly get complicated if one parent can’t pay their half of the bill. Itemizing costs can often reduce the risk of financial concerns and may help parents avoid unexpected financial costs.
- An illness provision. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many parents view co-parenting. You should have a plan in place for what will happen if one parent is too sick to take care of the children, or is at risk of exposing them to an illness.
Parenting plans are not a one-size-fits-all proposition, and each Maryland Parenting Plan can be uniquely crafted to reflect the needs and desires of an individual family.
Contact an Experienced Child Custody Attorney to Help Create Your Maryland Parenting Plan Today
Understanding how to implement our Maryland Parenting Plan Tips or even drafting comprehensive language for your Maryland Parenting Plan can be complicated. With guidance from the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams we can help you craft a comprehensive MD parenting plan that will meet your families needs.
Our firm diligently represents clients throughout Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, College Park, Cheverly, Greenbelt, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Largo, Bowie, and surrounding communities. Call us today at (301) 778-9950, or send us an online request for a consultation.
