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What Should I Include in a Rhode Island Parenting Plan?

A Plan Best Suited to Meet Your Child's Needs

Rhode Island parenting plans are legally binding documents used to determine the custody and visitation rights of parents in Rhode Island. A Rhode Island parenting plan is an important document that should be taken seriously. It should be detailed, comprehensive, and tailored to meet the needs of both parties involved. This blog post will discuss what essential components you should include when creating a Rhode Island parenting plan to best suit your family's unique situation.

What is a Rhode Island Parenting Plan?

A Rhode Island parenting plan is a legally binding document that outlines the custody and visitation rights of both parents involved in a Rhode Island child custody case. The plan should be designed to meet both parties’ needs and can often include provisions for decision-making, communication, education, travel arrangements, holidays, health care arrangements, extracurricular activities, financial support, relocation plans and other issues related to custody or visitation.

What Should You Include in a Rhode Island Parenting Plan?

When creating a Rhode Island parenting plan, it's important to ensure that all the essential components are included for it to be an effective legal document. Be sure to include:

Physical and Legal Custody Arrangements

This section should detail all physical and legal custody arrangements. Physical custody is typically divided into primary and secondary custodial parents, while legal custody determines the parent's rights to make major decisions for the child.

Visitation Rights

This section should outline when each parent has visitation with the child. It should also include provisions for alternate visitation schedules in case of holidays, school breaks, or other special circumstances that may arise.

Communication

This section should detail how communication between parents will be handled, including methods for exchanging information about the child's education, medical care, and other activities.

Finances

This section should discuss financial support as well as details such as who will be responsible for covering expenses related to childcare, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.

Holidays

This section should outline which holidays each parent will spend with the child and any special days that may be shared.

Travel Arrangements

If either parent is planning to relocate, this section should include details on how travel arrangements will work between the two households.

Relocation Plans

If one or both parents plan to move, this section should specify what procedures must be followed for a Rhode Island parenting plan to remain legally binding and in effect.

Creating an effective Rhode Island parenting plan can help ensure that your family's needs are met while minimizing conflict between you and your co-parent and preserving your rights as a parent. Be sure to consult with an experienced Rhode Island family law attorney if you have any questions or concerns about creating a Rhode Island parenting plan.

Work with a Rhode Island Child Custody Attorney

By including all of the essential components listed above, you can be sure that your Rhode Island parenting plan is comprehensive, detailed, and best suited for your family's unique situation. Working together with an experienced Rhode Island family law professional can help ensure that your Rhode Island parenting plan is up-to-date and legally binding.

If you need help working through the various components of a Rhode Island parenting plan, turn to the family law team at Assalone Lombardi, LLC. Our team is committed to helping you navigate all challenges you face. When it takes a village, we are your village.


Learn more about how we can help or schedule a consultation with a member of our Rhode Island child custody attorney team by calling (401) 589-5599 or visiting us online.

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