Using a Parenting Plan Template

Have you encountered some difficulties while creating your parenting plan? Many divorced and separated parents find the process of making their plan is filled with challenges and frustrations. These frustrations can range from not being able to agree on the custody schedule to not really knowing what goes into the plan. If this is your situation, you may want to consider using a parenting plan template to help you work things out. Here is some information about templates so that you can know if it will work for you.

A parenting plan template is something that helps you create and format your parenting plan. There are many types of templates including computer software, packets of forms to fill out, books that walk you through the process of making a plan, etc. Basically, anything that gives you a format or an outline to follow is a template.

The goal of your parenting plan is to create a document that lets you and the other parent continue to enjoy raising your children. So, you want a plan that gives you adequate time with your children. A good template will guide you through the process of making a thorough plan so you can focus on parenting--and not on the custody issues.

Your template should help you figure out the following parts of the plan:

• The parenting time schedule,
• Custody provisions and stipulations,
• The format of your plan, and
  
• The documents of your plan.

You want to make sure that your template includes all of this so your parenting plan is complete. Once you know the template covers these areas, you can find a template that fulfills your personal needs. For example, if you are having a hard time coming up with a custody schedule, you will want to look for a template that looks extensively on the schedule. Computer software is a good template for this because you can easily look at different scheduling options on the computer and you don't have to count days on the calendar. If you have a very straightforward plan, you may just need a basic template that contains the forms. You can then fill out the papers and be finished.

The cost of a parenting plan template varies according to your needs and the kind you want to get. A basic, template of forms can be less than one hundred dollars. A software template can be anywhere from one hundred to four hundred dollars. The more expensive ones should give you a lot of features for the price. However, using a template can be a much more cost effective solution than hiring an attorney. Many parents who hire a lawyer find that they pay about three hundred dollars an hour for their attorney's time. This adds up very quickly. If you can do your parenting plan on your own using a template, you can save some money. You can also make sure that your plan has exactly what you want.