Denver, Colorado, Parenting Plan Attorneys

Colorado law speaks in terms of parenting time and parenting schedules rather than visitation: spending time with your children involves helping them with homework, mentoring them, providing structure, and acting like a parent. "Visitation," on the other hand, conjures images of a prison or hospital visit. There are no pre-determined or "cookie cutter" guidelines for parenting plans in the state of Colorado. However, a parenting plan should take into account the work schedules of both parents, the school and activity schedule of your children, proximity of each parents home, and the ages and developmental needs of the children.

At McGuane and Hogan, our family law attorneys assist clients in creating and negotiating a parenting plan schedule that is mutually agreeable to both parents while being in the best interest of a child. To schedule a meeting and learn how we can help you, contact parenting plan lawyers at McGuane and Hogan today.

Creating a Parenting Plan that Works

While it may be difficult to do, it is in the best interests of you and your children to sit down with the spouse you are divorcing to work out a parenting schedule. This allows you to reach terms you both find acceptable. If you cannot bring yourselves to cooperate, you will have to head to court where a judge could impose a parenting time schedule neither one of you find ideal.

What to Include in a Parenting Plan

Our attorneys can help you create a parenting plan for approval by the court. When beginning the process, the following helpful tips are important to keep in mind:

• Consult both a school calendar and a regular calendar
• Build some flexibility into your plan -- should unforeseen events occur
• Make sure to explicitly define when holidays start and end
• Assign pick-up and drop-off responsibilities at school, the doctor's office, practice, music lessons, etc.
• Make allowances for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and family birthdays
• Divide up the summertime, allowing for planned vacations
• Make sure both parents have access to school and medical records and have the right to make emergency medical decisions

Financial Issues and Parenting Plans

In order to avoid disputes and litigation, it is also important to address the following in a parenting plan:

• Determine which parent is responsible for providing medical coverage for your children
• Determine who can claim your children for income tax purposes
• Specify whether extra support will be provided for education, music lessons, participation in sports, etc
• Who will take over responsibility for any life insurance payments
• Who the beneficiary is on any life insurance policies

Contact Parenting Plan Attorneys at McGuane and Hogan Today

Parenting plans require time and care. Our family law attorneys can help you create a plan that meets the needs of your and your children. To schedule an appointment and discuss your case, contact family law attorneys at McGuane and Hogan today.