Divorced and separated parents in New Jersey will have to come up with a plan to specify how they plan to raise their children post-divorce. A parenting time plan will specify a schedule to ensure that both parents stay actively involved in the child’s life.
Establishing parenting time
Even if parents have joint physical custody, it is unlikely that each parent will spend exactly 50 percent of the year with the child. Generally, the amount of time the child spends with each parent will depend on:
- Distance between the parents’ houses.
- What time of the year it is (school year, winter break, etc.).
- Child’s school, extracurricular, and social activities.
- Child’s physical/mental health.
- Parent’s work schedule.
Parents will work together to come up with a plan that serves the best interest of the child. In many cases, one parent will be the custodial parent and serve as the primary caregiver, while the non-custodial parent will be given parenting time on a regular basis. Parenting time used to be referred to as visitation, but that term is not often used anymore, as it diminishes the custodial parent’s role in the child’s life.
Parents will have to come up with a parenting time schedule that accounts for and addresses:
- Weekdays and weekends during the school year.
- Summer break and winter break.
- Holidays and birthdays.
- Vacations with the child.
- Child’s extracurricular activities.
- Outings and other special occasions.
Determining child custody
Determining child custody is a key family law issue. It is important that divorcing parents take the time to properly address the topic of parenting time during their divorce to avoid future conflicts. Once the parents have come up with a plan, the court will review it for approval. As soon as the judge approves it, it will be legally enforceable.