Beginning in March 2020, the Maryland courts required that all parties involved in contested custody matters were required to submit a parenting plan tool. Form CC-DRIN-109 can be accessed by clicking on the following link: https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/court-forms/ccdrin109.pdf
WHAT IS A PARENTING PLAN?
A parenting plan is a written agreement describing how people, called parties, will care for and make decisions
about their child(ren). It may be an initial agreement or a modification of an existing agreement. A parenting
plan is a guide that includes topics about when the child(ren) spend time with you (parenting time or physical
custody) and how decisions about the child(ren) are made (decision-making authority or legal custody).
Parties may fill out the parenting tool separate or together. The tool gives the courts an idea of the party’s position as to legal custody, physical custody and access of a minor child or children.
Although most parties are now required to attend mediation prior to having a contested hearing, filing the parenting tool in advance can minimize the court’s time and give the court a better idea of a parent’s position as to custody.
WHAT SHOULD BE IN A PARENTING PLAN?
A Parenting Plan should address each of your responsibilities, including:
Decision-making authority (legal custody)
• Medical care and mental health. How will you choose providers?
How will each of you be notified of or included in exams and
decisions about elective treatments (orthodontic, cosmetic
treatments, etc.)?
• Education. Will the child(ren) be home schooled or attend public
or private schools? Which address will determine the child(ren)’s
school district?
• Religious training.
• Extracurricular activities. How will you handle conflicts with
parenting time and exchange of activity calendars?
Communication
• How will you communicate with each other?
• How will you communicate with the child(ren) when they are with
another party?
Information sharing
• How will you share and access information about the child(ren)’s health, education, and welfare?
• How will you be listed as emergency contacts?
• How will you notify each other about changes to your address or contact information?
Parenting time (physical custody)
• When will the child(ren) spend time with each of you?
• How will you address holidays, school breaks, vacations, out-of-state travel, and other special days?
Transportation and exchange of the child(ren)
• How will you transport the child(ren)?
• Where will exchanges occur?
Child care
• How will you decide who cares for the child(ren) when you are unavailable?
• How will you maintain the child(ren)’s relationships with family members?
If you are contesting custody of your children as a parent or a 3rd party, it is very important that you have legal representation.
The Law Office of Lynndolyn Mitchell PC is exceptionally qualified to represent you in contested custody matters, contested divorce cases or modification of prior custody cases.
