If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

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Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

Attorney Anthony A Piazza & Laura A Simmons

Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

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A Discussion On Custody, Visitation & Parenting Plans

Helping divorcing parents develop an effective parenting plan is one of the most difficult tasks that Connecticut family lawyers face. Regardless of how well the plan is written, it can only be effective if the parents will actually abide by the terms of the agreement. At the LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC, our Connecticut divorce attorneys believe that drafting a parenting plan requires both parents to put aside their differences and have realistic goals from the outset. We will help you manage your expectations and provide you with the information you need to make informed and effective decisions about your parenting plan.

Parenting Plans

In most cases, formal parenting plans are orders entered by the divorce courts outlining how custody, visitation, and parenting will be handled between divorcing spouses. It is often the case that even the best-developed plan, even between cooperative parents, becomes unenforceable. Parents change jobs, incomes fluctuate, and illnesses occur. There is simply no way for the courts, lawyers or parents to anticipate everything that will happen over the span of many years. This does not mean that you shouldn’t have a plan. Rather, you should expect that regardless of your intentions, life is complicated and circumstances change.

Despite the potential for a parenting agreement to be broken or ignored, they are a useful tool for spelling out the parent’s initial goals. If one parent intentionally violates the agreement, your Connecticut family lawyer may be able to seek sanctions and attorney fees for the time and money you spent enforcing the agreement and bringing the other parent into compliance. You may also be able to seek increased custody and visitation time if the other parent’s actions are serious enough to warrant a modification of the previous court orders.

Things To Consider

When you sit down to discuss creating or modifying a parenting plan, there are a number of things you will need to consider.

  • Will you be able to abide by the agreement? That is, you need to make sure you understand what you are asking for. It does little good to hastily enter into an agreement that you won’t be able to follow through on.
  • How do you anticipate the other parent to react? Are they still angry about the divorce? Even if you have the best intentions the other parent may violate the agreement simply because they are unhappy about the divorce or its terms. If you or the other parent is upset or frustrated, it becomes more likely that those frustrations will manifest themselves in the form of non-compliance with parenting plans and support obligations.
  • Realize that nobody is perfect, and that, in reality, a parenting plan is only a tentative way to manage the raising of your children. You have to check your emotions at the door and put your past hostilities aside. Always remember that this is about the health and well-being of your children.

Contact Our Connecticut Divorce Attorney

Our Connecticut divorce attorneys have decades of experience helping our clients resolve their marital problems and plan for their child’s future. We will explain all of your options and help you to understand the practical realities of any parenting plan that is eventually drafted. We can also assist you if the other parent has disregarded the parenting plan and failed to live up to their obligations. Regardless of your personal situation, we are happy to set up a consultation and discuss your circumstances. Call us today at 203-936-6772 to speak with our knowledgeable Connecticut divorce attorneys. The LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC can help you.