Why Do We Need a Parenting Plan?
Couples who are in the divorce process in Arizona and who have children under age 18 should create a written “parenting plan” for several reasons. Parenting plans spell out important details, such as which parent will take care of the child at which times and which parent will have legal custody. If you need help creating a parent plan or dealing with other custody and support issues, the experienced Phoenix family law attorneys at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. can help.
Arizona parenting plans fulfill several functions:
- Encouraging cooperation. Arizona courts prefer that parenting plans are made and agreed upon by the parents. With a parenting plan in writing, both parents know what the “ground rules” are for raising their children. These “ground rules” can cover everything from schedules and household rules to religious upbringing, school plans, medical care, and more.
- Focusing on the child. Parenting plans encourage the parents to focus on the needs and interests of each of their children. While parents often have their own feelings to work out about one another during divorce, children do best when they know that both parents have their best interests in mind – even if the parents have unresolved issues with one another.
- Clarifying obligations. Parenting plans in Arizona help clarify both physical and legal custody issues. “Physical custody” refers to where the child lives and which parent is responsible for the child’s immediate needs, like food, shelter, and medical care, at any given time. “Legal custody” refers to which parent has the responsibility for making major decisions for their child. Parents may share custody or appoint custody to one parent, and this arrangement is reinforced by the parenting time agreement.
About the Author
Zachary Mushkatel is a founding attorney of Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., who has practiced law in Arizona since 2004. He also practices before the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the University of Minnesota Law School, he started his career as a public defender and entered private practice in criminal defense. In 2008, Zachary co-founded a firm dedicated to civil law in addition to criminal defense, and he has since expanded his practice to personal injury, estate planning and litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. He serves on the board and faculty of the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, and he is a past president and current member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association.
Site by