Your children and where they live is important to you.
Perhaps the most important feature of the Parenting Plan is the residential schedule. This residential schedule outlines where and when each child will live. As the plan is devised many things need to be taken into consideration.
- Age of the child
- Health and special needs of the child
- Parents schedule and ability to care for the child
- Activities of the child and proximity to school/sports/friends
If both parents agree on the residential schedule for the child, decision making should be easier. But even if the parents agree, the court must approve. If the court does not feel the plan is in the best interest of the child, then the court can order an investigation and a report written to assist in deciding where the children should live.
The investigation should be done by a neutral person. The court might appoint an employee of the court, or a Guardian ad Litem for the children. The investigation might include the following:
- Medical records and statements from counselors and physicians
- Interviews from friends, relatives and other potential witnesses
- Observations of day care workers
- If substance abuse is suspected parties may be required to undergo a drug or alcohol evaluation
The courts encourage involvement and contact of the children with both parents. Courts also recognize that there are situations when the contact should be limited or even eliminated.
Contact Lambert Law. We can help you get a fair decision for your child’s residential schedule.
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Make an appointment by going here, or call 360-737-1473.