Custody and parenting time
A schedule that works in two homes
Children need to know where they’re sleeping on Tuesday. We help parents write that down in a plan both of them can keep.
A parenting plan covers the school week, weekends, holidays, summer, and who decides on school and doctors. For families split across the river, it also covers the drive: where the hand-off happens, who brings the hockey bag, and what changes if someone moves.
When parents can’t agree, we prepare the case for the judge, with the school records, calendars and witnesses that show what the children’s weeks really look like.
Plans written for the children’s ages now, with a review as they grow
Hand-off places and times spelled out
Moves across state lines and out of the area
What it covers
Where parenting cases usually turn
A first parenting plan
For parents separating or never married, a plan that sets the week, the holidays and the decisions.
Changing an old plan
When a job, a new partner or a teenager’s schedule means the old order no longer fits.
A parent moving away
Asking for permission to move with the children, or answering a request from the other parent.
Plans that aren’t followed
Missed weekends, late returns and withheld time, and what the court can do about it.
Grandparents and relatives
Time with grandparents, and relatives raising a child whose parents can’t.
Paternity
Establishing a father’s rights and duties so a parenting plan and support can follow.
Custody questions
What parents want to know about the schedule
Will the children get to say where they live?
A judge may consider an older child’s wishes, but children aren’t asked to choose between parents. We help you plan how and whether their voice is heard.
My ex wants to move to another state. Can they take the kids?
Usually not without the other parent’s agreement or a judge’s permission. Get in touch as soon as you hear about a move, before anything is packed.
Can we change our plan without going back to court?
You can agree to small changes between yourselves, but only a signed order is enforceable. We can turn an agreement into a new order without a hearing.
Talk through your parenting schedule
Bring the calendar you’re living with now. We’ll show you what a plan could look like.