Prosper, TX Parenting Agreement Attorney

Lawyer for Creating Agreed Parenting Plans in Collin County and Surrounding Areas

Child custody is often a source of conflict during the divorce process, but it does not have to be. Texas law allows divorcing parents to work together in the creation of an agreed parenting plan, and this may be the best option for parents who want to maintain an effective co-parenting relationship after their divorce. If you and your spouse are both willing to put your children's best interests first, a parenting agreement can make the divorce process easier for your family.

At Pfister Family Law, we know that an agreed parenting plan is often a better choice than contested custody litigation. We can provide legal guidance and representation as you negotiate a plan that protects your children's interests and meets your needs. With multiple decades of legal experience, our attorneys can help you understand the important details to address and make sure that you follow the appropriate legal process to file your plan.

Types of Parenting Plans in Texas

Under Texas law, there are a couple of different arrangements that allow parents to share custody of their children after a divorce. In many cases, parents will have joint managing conservatorship for their children, meaning that they will share have time with their children and share the responsibility to make important decisions about their children's lives. In other cases, one parent will have a sole managing conservatorship, meaning they will be the one responsible for important decisions, while the other parent will be granted periods of possession of the children.

In either of these cases, it is important for both parents to have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities, as well as their expectations for each other. This is where the parenting plan comes into play.

Details to Address in a Parenting Agreement

Any agreed parenting plan in Texas should clearly state whether each parent will have managing conservatorship, possession, or both. Regarding possession, parents have the option to use one of the standard possession orders included in the Texas Family Code, or they can create a more customized plan. The possession order should address details including:

• A schedule of the children's overnight stays on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school vacations
• Requirements for providing the other parent with advance notice of deviations from the regular schedule
• Provisions for how, when, and where exchanges between parents should occur

When parents intend to pursue a joint managing conservatorship, Texas law also requires that the parenting plan include:

• A designation of the geographic area where the child's primary residence must remain, and in some cases, a designation of the parent who has the exclusive right to choose the primary residence
• Details regarding how the parents will share parental rights and duties, including those related to the child's care, health, education, and financial support
• Provisions for future modifications or enforcement of the parenting plan, possibly including alternative dispute resolution methods

When deciding whether to approve an agreed parenting plan, the court's primary concern will be the best interests of the children. As you negotiate an agreement, you should consider whether the plan provides for your children's needs, avoids unnecessary interruptions to their routine, and allows for healthy relationships with each parent.

Contact a Prosper, TX Parenting Plan Attorney

If you have questions about your parenting plan, we can offer advice and review your agreement to determine whether it includes the necessary provisions and addresses your children's interests. Contact us at 972-954-6455 today to schedule your initial consultation. We represent divorcing parents in Prosper, Frisco, Denton, Plano, Dallas, Prosper, McKinney, Little Elm, The Colony, and throughout North Texas, including Collin County, Denton County, Dallas County, Sherman County, Tarrant County, Rockwall County, and Hunt County.