How to Negotiate a Parenting Plan?

by David L Martin Law Offices of David L. Martin, Esq. PC

Divorce proceedings are seldom easy, but they can become even more complicated when children are involved. Even if you and your ex-spouse are on amicable terms, you must both settle on a parenting plan that addresses all of the significant issues that might occur in the future.

Preparation is the best form of prevention. Seasoned lawyers at a reputable Nassau County divorce law firm are well-versed in drafting parenting plans covering all of the necessary precautions you should take.

Can you revise your parenting plan?

Yes. As the future is uncertain, the original parenting plan may not look after a family’s needs indefinitely. Fortunately, parents can request modifications to the parenting plan whenever there is a significant change in the lives of the children or the parents.

Perhaps you or your ex-spouse have remarried, relocated to another city or state, become disabled or unemployed, or the children need a different schedule that will fit their lives better. The good thing is that just about every aspect of the parenting plan is open to revisions, so long as you can prove in court that the changes are in your children’s best interests.

The role of negotiations

Keep in mind that if your ex-spouse is unwilling to accept the changes you requested, you will need to engage in some negotiation with them to revise the parenting plan on your children’s behalf.

Negotiating a parenting plan is similar to negotiating a business contract. In the business world, flexibility, compromise, and professional conduct can get you what you need, so use the same skills and strategies to negotiate with the other parent.

Here are a few negotiation tactics you can use in your negotiations with your ex-spouse:

It would help if you approached negotiations with an open mind. Negotiating entails some give and take, and if you step into the negotiation determined not to budge an inch, you have already set yourself up for disappointment.
Pay close attention to your ex-spouse’s ideas and suggestions, and do not shy away from asking questions. Tell them that this is not quite what you are looking for and make a counter-proposal.
Always ask for a little more than you think you will get. It will open the door to negotiation and make it more likely for you two to land on a mutual proposal.
Present many viable alternatives. Giving your ex-spouse a choice will reduce the likelihood of a deadlock. It also appeals to their ego as they can choose the option that seems to be the best rather than being told that their ideas are unacceptable.

Conclusion

Even if you are no longer a couple, you will always be partners in providing a caring and nurturing environment for your children. Hiring a professional divorce lawyer is the first step toward a promising future for your children.

Thanks to their experience and expertise, professional New York divorce lawyers can handle even the most complex child custody cases. They can navigate all facets of divorce and family law with a deep desire to excel and a strong work ethic, always putting the interests of their clients first. You should work with them and give yourself peace of mind by drafting a parenting plan that benefits you, your ex-spouse, and, most importantly, your children.