Divorce in Idaho: What to Include in a Parenting Plan

As part of a divorce settlement, the court will order parents to devise a parenting plan that specifies their responsibilities regarding their children after a divorce in Idaho. A parenting plan should cover the following:

  • Do the children mostly live with one parent and do they go to the other parent’s house frequently?
  • Which nursery should I choose for my children?
  • What should be done in the event of future conflicts between the parents?
  • There is no other key clause that outlines how you and your ex-spouse will co-parent together.

Based on state statistics for 1990-2019, the divorce rate in Idaho decreased from 6.5 marriages per thousand citizens in 1990 to 3.9 marriages per thousand citizens in 2019.

How Do You Create a Parenting Plan After Your Divorce in Idaho?

The following tips will help you establish a parenting plan after your divorce in Idaho:

Document Everything You Do with Your Child and Keep a Log:

At the beginning of a case, maintaining the status quo is one of the most important factors considered by the court. Evaluate your role in your child’s life by devising a comprehensive 6-12 month plan. As a result, it will be much easier to determine which parenting plan leads to optimum results.

Demonstrate Your Ability to Support Your Child Physically:

It is not legal for you to drag your child along so they can sleep on friends’ couches when you separate from your spouse or partner. It is strongly recommended that you find a new, somewhat permanent place to live as soon as possible if you must move out of the family home. The new home should have enough space for you and your children.

Create A Parenting Plan That Will Work for Both You and Your Spouse/Partner:

You will likely need to co-parent your child for several years after your divorce in Idaho, no matter how far apart you are. Unless there are safety concerns, you may also need to co-parent your child in the short term. You can drop them out of school to reduce conflicts between you and your children so that your child can move from one family to another smoothly. The less time your child spends in school, the easier it will be to move from one family to another.

Your Child Needs Counseling for Emotional Stability:

In order to cope with the stress of a family breakdown, you should consider seeking the help of a counselor for yourself and/or your children. Your child can cope enough with the separation process without knowing your emotional outbursts as well.

When You Are Away from Your Child with Your Job, Try to Establish Frequent Contact When You Return:

Despite the fact that you may unintentionally be away from your child because of your job, it is still important that you prove in court that you have the capability of reestablishing the bond with your child when you return home. As a parent, you can accomplish this by spending time with your child regularly when it is possible, by talking frequently to your child over the phone, and by taking part in family events and activities together.

The Legal Case Should Not Be Discussed with Your Child:

Even if your child is of legal age, the court will not allow him or her to decide where they will live. Children cannot participate in legal matters, especially when the court is making a parenting plan. Courts may consider your child’s wishes if they are of sufficient age and maturity. Ad Litem counselors or guardians/parental investigators are often appointed to assist with this process.

Find Witnesses Who Are Willing to Testify On Your Behalf If Necessary:

During legal proceedings, you might be able to highlight your relationship with your child as a parent. Witnesses can help you do that. But it’s not a good thing if it seems like you’ve told people exactly what to say. People will likely confirm that your point of view is valid, but the mere fact that five people say the same thing about you does not automatically make it more accurate.

Contact Us:

The typical divorce in the states involves parenting plans and custody of the child. As a parent, your biggest priority should be to use your best efforts to avoid conflict and maintain the highest level of normality during the divorce process.

Get answers to your questions about child custody and parenting plans from a family law attorney after your divorce in Idaho.

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