If you and your spouse get divorced, Missouri law requires you to form an official parenting plan where you lay out the specifics about where your child will live, the school they will go to, and a visitation schedule.
This plan is generally required regardless of the type of custody you want, such as joint custody or sole custody, so make sure to discuss every detail with your St. Louis divorce attorney.
The parenting plan needs to be very specific so that the courts can know their ruling will be made in the best interest of the child. As for the visiting component, the plan needs to include:
Additionally, your plan should lay out which parent gets which holiday, a plan for the child’s transportation, how to handle any possible changes in the schedule, as well as how to handle contact with the child when they are residing with the other parent.
Missouri does not have any laws regulating what the custody visitation schedule needs to look like, but the court’s decision will be based on what’s best for the child.
Parents who create the schedule together generally will have no problem getting it approved. However, if you and your former spouse cannot agree on a fixed schedule, then the courts will establish one for you.
There are some principles the courts will follow when deciding a visiting schedule:
A custody issue, even when both parents agree to do it amicably, is not an easy process. Emotions tend to run high because of the delicacy of the situation. At this time, it’s best to work with a St. Louis divorce lawyer who can help you and your spouse find a middle ground regarding the holiday visitation schedule.
Your lawyer will be the objective voice throughout the entire process and have your and your child’s best interest in mind. Additionally, they can help prepare you for any custody hearings in front of a judge.
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