Creating a

Perhaps the most important, and often the most difficult task in settling a divorce is creating a

parenting agreement.

It’s common for both parties to argue over material possessions…

… but when children are involved the stakes are much higher.

It’s common for both parties to argue over material possessions…

Parenting

W h a t i s a

A parental agreement is a document that sets forth the guidelines for each

parent’s involvement with the child’s upbringing.

It outlines: parental responsibilities,

It outlines:

a visitation schedule,

parental responsibilities,

It outlines:

a visitation schedule,

parental responsibilities,

healthcare information,

It outlines:

a visitation schedule,

parental responsibilities,

and other matters vital to raising children.

healthcare information,

agreementi s a n e s s e n ti a l p a r t o f d i v o r c e .

parentingA

The court’s main priority is to protect children’s

interests and ensure their well-being.

In New Jersey, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities towards their children

The parenting agreement

should include:

The parenting agreement

should include:

- Medical Information

The parenting agreement

should include:

- Who has legal and physical custody

- Medical Information

The parenting agreement

should include:

- Who has legal and physical custody

- Medical Information

- Their primary place of residence

The parenting agreement

should include:

- Who has legal and physical custody

- Medical Information

- Their primary place of residence

- Child support agreements

The parenting agreement

should include:

- school pick-up and drop-off times

The parenting agreement

should include:

- extracurricular activities

- school pick-up and drop-off times

The parenting agreement

should include:

- extracurricular activities

- school pick-up and drop-off times

- Who claims the kids on tax returns

The parenting agreement

should include:

- school pick-up and drop-off times

- and how special days like holidays and birthdays will be spent

It’s important that parents set aside their differences

when creating their parenting agreement

If they mutually agree on a plan, the court must approve it, provided it doesn’t go

against the child’s best interests.

If they mutually agree on a plan, the court must approve it, provided it doesn’t go

against the child’s best interests.

But, if the parents cannot agree on a sound parenting agreement, the court may come up with one for them.

Parents may also meet with a Family Court Mediator to work out an agreement, or leave it to

their attorneys to settle.

It’s important that both parents

respect and stick to

the parenting agreement

Children benefit from having an established, predictable routine, so sticking to the agreement is important for their well-being.

Children benefit from having an established, predictable routine, so sticking to the agreement is important for their well-being.

Moreover, it is illegal in New Jersey for one parent to deprive a child of court-

mandated parenting time with the other parent.

If one parent attempts to interfere with the other’s parenting time,

If one parent attempts to interfere with the other’s parenting time,

and the issue cannot be resolved through communication or mediation,

If one parent attempts to interfere with the other’s parenting time,

and the issue cannot be resolved through communication or mediation,

An incident report or criminal complaint for visitation

interference may be filed.

If you need help in crafting or negotiating an effective parenting

agreement, call our office at

856-227-7888 for a free consultation.

We are happy to help you find a way to do what is best for your children.

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