A parenting plan is more than a schedule, it is a legal agreement that outlines how you will raise your children after divorce. Arizona courts require a parenting plan in every case involving minor children, even when both parents agree on everything.
A good plan helps:
- Establish stability for the children
- Reduce future misunderstandings
- Clarify responsibilities
- Support healthy co-parenting
- Prevent unnecessary return trips to court
Even when parents are cooperative, a vague or incomplete plan can create confusion later. That’s why having clear legal guidance is important.
Parenting Plans in a Simple Divorce
In a simple, uncontested divorce, both parents typically agree on major issues and are committed to reaching a fair and workable arrangement. This makes the process faster and more predictable, but the plan still must be drafted clearly and meet Arizona’s legal standards.
When you qualify for a simple flat-rate divorce package, parenting plans are included as part of the complete settlement drafting process. This ensures your plan is legally sound and easy for both parents to follow.
What’s Included in the Parenting Plan
As part of the flat-rate divorce package, Modern Law drafts a complete parenting plan that addresses:
Legal Decision-Making
This determines who has the authority to make decisions about:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Religious upbringing
- Major life choices
Parents may agree to joint decision-making or specify individual responsibilities.
Parenting Time
This outlines:
- Weekly schedules
- Weekend arrangements
- Holiday and vacation rotations
- Transportation responsibilities
A clear schedule helps prevent future misunderstandings.
Child Support
The plan must account for:
- Each parent’s financial responsibility
- Health insurance
- Extra child-related costs
With the flat-rate package, child support agreements are incorporated into the final settlement documents.
Communication Guidelines
The plan may also include:
- How parents will communicate about the children
- How information is shared
- How decisions are made
The goal is to support cooperation and reduce conflict.
How Parenting Plans Fit Into the Flat-Rate Divorce Process
The parenting plan is created as part of the Consent Decree, which is the final agreement that outlines how every aspect of your divorce will be resolved. In the flat-rate package, your attorney drafts the Consent Decree for you, ensuring all required elements are included.
Here’s how the process flows:
1. Initial Consultation
Your attorney reviews your family circumstances, your goals, and the parenting arrangement you want.
2. Disclosures and Information Gathering
Financial disclosures are exchanged, including the Affidavit of Financial Information and Rule 49 documents. This ensures child support calculations are accurate.
3. Drafting the Parenting Plan
Your attorney drafts the parenting plan based on:
- Your agreements
- Child-related needs
- Court requirements
4. Finalizing the Consent Decree
The parenting plan becomes part of your final divorce paperwork.
5. Court Submission
In many uncontested cases, the judge signs the decree without a hearing. If a hearing is required, your attorney appears on your behalf.
6. Final Steps
Once finalized, you receive your Decree of Dissolution along with guidance on any additional steps you may need.
Why Proper Drafting Matters, Even in Simple Cases
Many parents underestimate how detailed a parenting plan needs to be. While parents may get along well at the time of divorce, situations can change over time. A well-written plan:
- Reduces future disagreements
- Keeps expectations clear
- Minimizes the risk of returning to court
- Protects both parents if circumstances shift
The flat-rate package ensures your plan is drafted with the level of detail required, removing guesswork and reducing the chance of problems later.
When a Parenting Plan May Require More Careful Attention
While many parenting plans fit easily into a simple case, some situations may require more in-depth support, including:
- Significant distance between the parents’ homes
- Complex school or activity schedules
- Special needs considerations
- Disagreements about major decisions
- Concerns about safety, communication, or consistency
If the case becomes more complex, other representation options are available that can continue from where the flat-rate package ends.
A Clear Parenting Plan Supports a Smooth Divorce
Even in a simple divorce, a strong parenting plan lays the foundation for a stable co-parenting relationship. With the flat-rate package, you receive full attorney representation to ensure the parenting plan is accurate, complete, and tailored to your family.
If you and your spouse agree on most issues and want a smooth, affordable divorce handled from start to finish, the simple flat-rate option may be a good fit.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule Your Consultation Today and see whether your case qualifies for the simple flat-rate divorce package.
