An amicable divorce gives you and the other parent a chance to create a custody arrangement around your children’s lives. Even when you agree on most issues, building a schedule that works for everyone takes thought and care.
Here are several factors to consider as you create a plan for your family.
Start with your children’s routines
Your children’s daily routines should guide the custody arrangement. Look at school, childcare, activities, bedtime and time with friends or relatives. An equal split of time may not fit those routines as well as another schedule. Their ages and individual needs also matter when deciding how often they should move between homes.
Agree on a parenting schedule that works for both homes
The parenting schedule should account for how both parents actually live. Your work hours, availability and ability to handle school and other daily responsibilities should help shape the schedule. Options might include alternating weeks, weekday overnights, alternating weekends or another arrangement that fits your family’s needs.
Plan for transportation and exchanges, too. A schedule that works on paper should also work in daily life.
Decide how you will share important parenting decisions
Your arrangement should explain how you will handle major decisions about education, medical care and significant activities.
Missouri law allows parents to share legal custody, which generally means sharing decision-making authority about a child’s health, education and welfare. Courts must also consider the child’s best interests and encourage both parents to take part in these decisions.
Leave room for your family to change
A workable arrangement should leave room for change as your children grow. School events, vacations, illness and new activities can create conflicts that neither parent expected during the divorce. Agree on how to handle reasonable changes while keeping enough consistency for your children to know what to expect.
Create a plan that fits your children, not a template
The best arrangement for your family may not look like another family’s schedule. It also does not need to divide every hour equally to serve your children’s needs. Before finalizing your parenting plan, review the proposed schedule and decision-making terms with an attorney. This can help you spot practical issues and make sure the plan covers the details that matter to your family.