DC SEPARATION AND DIVORCE–CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTING PLANS
When you decide to separate and there are children involved it is best to have an agreement for a temporary schedule for custody and a parenting plan. It is best to have a plan in place before each parent has a separate residence so you each know when you will see your children and when you are solely responsible for their care. This is in everyone’s best interest but most of all it is best for your children to know where they will be each day. This is important even for very young children.
There are many types of schedules that work depending upon each parent’s work schedule and the schedule for your children for school, activities and your child-care schedule. Your schedule may also impact how you choose to share expenses for your children and whether there will be a child support payment from one parent to the other.
It is best to speak with an experienced attorney who can describe various schedules that might work given your individual circumstances. The divorce lawyer you speak with will also be able to explain how child support works and the ways in which you can work with your spouse/partner to take care of your children financially.