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What should your parenting plan include in a military divorce?

On Behalf of | Oct 22, 2022 | Military Divorce

The mental and emotional issues parents experience when ending a marriage plague families in civilian and military divorces alike. A top concern for divorcing parents is the continued well-being of the children.

Your parenting plan (or family care plan) should be as detailed as possible. It should also contain provisions like the ones below to help ensure that your children continue thriving.

Custody during deployment

Usually, when only one parent is a servicemember, the other will have custody during deployment. However, it remains vital to plan for any possible situation to keep the care of your kids consistent. Designate alternate caregivers (like family members and close friends) in your plan to ensure that someone is always there for your children.

Visitation during active duty

Your active-duty status can separate you from your family, sometimes for quite a while. Ensure that your parenting plan contains information about your visitation rights when deployed and on leave.

You might want to negotiate extra time with your kids when you have a day or two away from your duties. Some parents also include provisions addressing electronic visitation (using an app like FaceTime) during deployment.

Up-to-date emergency instructions

Your plan should contain detailed directions in case an emergency arises. For example, if a medical crisis occurs, your parenting plan should list the names and contact information of your alternate caregivers and extended family. It should also include instructions on how to keep you updated about the situation no matter where you are in the world.

If you need additional child custody and divorce insight, it’s wise to have experienced legal guidance to protect your rights and do what’s best for your children.