Raising children is a long-term commitment that comes with many unpredictable demands. Parents who decide to divorce or separate have to find a way to meet the needs of their children cooperatively. They negotiate with one another to divide their parental rights and responsibilities.
Frequently, they focus heavily on timesharing rights. Timesharing relates to physical custody. The timesharing schedule determines who gets to physically be with their children and who has a responsibility to meet their needs. Parents trying to negotiate an amicable timesharing arrangement often need to address specific considerations carefully to create an effective timesharing plan.
What issues beyond the basic division of parenting time should adults consider when negotiating timesharing arrangements?
Holidays, sports and special events
Establishing a basic breakdown of the percentage of overnight time the children spend with each parent is important. However, parents also have to consider specific days when they particularly want to be with their children. Birthdays, holidays, basketball games and school plays are all special events that require consideration in parenting plans. Adults can agree to alternate these special events or to share them. Having rules in place ahead of time can help prevent conflict from arising as a special day approaches.
Illness or injury
The adult with time sharing on any particular day may have to suddenly switch their schedule because their child gets hurt or falls ill. Children at school or at a childcare facility may need immediate attention from their parents after they spike a fever or fall off of a swing set. They could also have disciplinary issues that require immediate attention. Parents have to consider whether they can actually be available to help their children with limited advance notice during their allocated timesharing. If they cannot fulfill that obligation, then they may have to agree to a less-balanced division of parenting time.
Job responsibilities
Some parents have to work occasional swing shifts. Those in the medical field might need to be on standby in case of high demand or another worker at a medical facility calling in sick. Others may travel for employment. All of those career demands may require special consideration when parents split up their timesharing responsibilities. They may need to include provisions in their parenting plan that allow them to accommodate those scheduling needs with minimal advance.
With the right timesharing terms, it is often easier for parents to work cooperatively to raise their children. Thinking about how parents can work together to meet the needs of their children and act in their best interests may make it easier for them to resolve their custody concerns.