Creating a parenting plan is one of the most important steps in a separation or divorce when children are involved. A well-drafted plan sets the foundation for co-parenting success and ensures stability for your child. However, many parents make critical mistakes when drafting their agreements—mistakes that can lead to unnecessary conflict, court battles, or unfavorable arrangements. Here’s what you need to know to avoid costly errors and protect your rights as a parent.

Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. This article is provided for educational purposes only. Contact us today at attorneys@whidbey.com if you would like to retain an attorney to draft or edit your parenting plan before your next Island County Superior Court hearing.

1. Be Clear About the Rules

A common mistake is creating a confusing or hard-to-follow plan. Your plan should clarify when each parent has time with the children, where the children will be on holidays, and which parent will be responsible for important choices that concern the child. If these things are not laid out clearly it can lead to a need to return to court.

2. Think About the Future

Life changes! Parents might get new jobs, move to new places, or have new schedules. A good parenting plan should include rules about what happens if things change. If you don’t plan for this, it could be costly later as you are forced to re-do a parenting plan during a busy season with these big changes taking up most of your time.

3. Plan for Communication

Parents need to talk to each other about their child. Some parents like to text, others like to email, and some use special apps to keep track of messages. Your parenting plan should say how parents will communicate so that there are no misunderstandings. If tensions are high between parents, we work with our clients to develop special plans to avoid future fights between parents despite the need to stay in contact over the kids.

4. Decide About Holidays and Vacations

The court needs to know when and where a child will be during planned holidays and breaks from school, including when those holidays start and end. For example, does a holiday break start the moment the child gets out of school, or the day following the holiday to accommodate one parent’s work schedule. Every case is different and we customize our clients’ parenting plans to their unique needs.

5. Think About Money

Child support is determined by Washington state, but there are other costs to raising a child, too. Who pays for sports, school supplies, or doctor visits? If parents don’t talk about these things in their plan, one parent could be unfairly left to bear the burden of these expenses. Hint: extracurriculars, clothing and other normal expenses for children only increase as a child gets older and involved in more activities.

6. Get Help From a Lawyer

Some parents try to make a parenting plan on their own, but this can lead to problems. Online forms don’t cover everything, and Washington has its own unique laws to consider. A lawyer can help make sure your plan is fair, legal, protects your child’s best interests, and will stand the test of time to avoid future issues + expenses.

Let Us Help You Make a Strong Parenting Plan

At the Law Offices of Andrew F. Scott and Associates PLLC, we know how important a good parenting plan is for you and your child. We can help you make a plan that works now and in the future. Call us today at (360) 331-7101 to set up a meeting and take the first step toward a secure future for your family.