Mother's Day is an occasion that celebrates mothers worldwide; this year, it is marked on 10th March 2024. Celebrating this day however can pose particular challenges for families where parents have separated or divorced. A Parenting Plan can be an effective tool in such situations. A Parenting Plan is an agreement between separated parents which sets out where the child of the relationship will live and how the child will be supported and cared for by both parents after separation. It can have the added value of gifting the child the knowledge that parents came together and invested time in sharing the preparation of such an important agreement for them. It can include the following:
- The residence and contact arrangements or shared residence arrangements;
- Where and how the child will spend school holidays and special occasions such as Birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day;
- How the child will spend time with both sides of extended family;
- How both parents will communicate with one another and how regularly;
- How new partners of each parent will be introduced to the child;
- How financial support for the child after separation will be determined or shared.
It is important that these agreements are flexible. In certain situations, such as when Mother's Day or Father's Day falls on a weekend which conflicts with the child's scheduled time with their other parent, it may be appropriate to consider rearranging the schedule and explore the possibility of swapping weekends so that the child can celebrate the special occasion with their mother or father, depending on the circumstances.
When making decisions regarding contact arrangements, the child's best interests must always be the priority and that includes remembering that it is a special occasion for them. Parenting Plans can be agreed upon verbally or put into a legally binding document after negotiation.
We understand that family disputes can be difficult, especially when it comes to making decisions about your children's care and upbringing. But you don't have to face this alone. Our Family Law Team is here to help you reach a resolution that works for everyone involved. Our experienced solicitors can provide you with expert advice on all aspects of family law. We know that every family is unique, and that's why we take the time to listen to your needs and wishes. Our compassionate approach ensures that we handle every case with sensitivity and efficiency. If you need assistance with Parenting Plans, we invite you to reach out to us today at 0141 221 1919 We are here to assist you every step of the way.
