When parents separate or divorce in Ohio, one of the most important steps is creating a parenting plan. This plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their child moving forward. But what exactly should be in included in a parenting plan.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a written document that lays out the terms for parenting time, decision-making for the children, expense sharing, and more. Generally, the plan is created by agreement between the parties. This agreement can be reached through negotiation, mediation, and with the help of their attorneys. While the court has final approval, judges and magistrates generally prefer when parents can reach a resolution outside of the courtroom.

Even if you and the other parent do not agree on everything right away, many shared parenting plans come together piece by piece. Going through this process with the help of an attorney can help to facilitate back and forth discussions to find common ground.

Key Elements of a Parenting Plan

Your parenting plan should be detailed, practical, and child focused. Some common components include:

• Parenting schedule: including weekdays, weekends, holidays, school breaks, and vacation.
• Transportation arrangements
• Decision making responsibilities: including education, medical care, extracurriculars
• Communication between parents and child
• How future disagreements will be resolved
• Child support and expense sharing

How Courts Evaluate Parenting Plans

Ohio courts are guided by the best interest of the child. This means the court considers what arrangement will provide the child with the most stability, safety, and support – even if that differs from the child’s expressed preference or what is most convenient for the parents:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s ability to communicate and co-parent
• The child’s adjustment at their current home, school, and community
• Any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• The mental and physical health of all parties
• The child’s wishes, if they are of suitable age and maturity

The goal is to encourage meaningful involvement from both parents – if it’s safe and appropriate – while minimizing stress and instability for the child.

Set Your Family Up for Success

A thoughtful parenting plan is much more than a legal formality. While it’s possible to create a Shared Parenting Plan without legal help, doing so can lead to confusion, missed details, or future conflicts.

An experienced domestic law attorney ensures that your plan complies with Ohio law and meets the expectations of the court. They can help you think through long-term issues that are often overlooked. A lawyer will also act as your advocate, making sure your rights and wants are protected while keeping the focus on what’s best for your child. Even when both parents are cooperative, legal guidance brings clarity, consistency, and peace of mind to the process. And if negotiations become difficult, your attorney can step in to represent your interest and work toward a favorable resolution. If you have any questions about this process, child custody issues, or divorce, Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd. LPA is well equipped to help you navigate this process.