What Are Parenting Plans?

Written By Abby Pang

If you are separating from your spouse or common-law partner and you have children, a good way to make arrangements for the children of the relationship would be to discuss a plan and set it out in a Parenting Plan.

A Parenting Plan is a comprehensive agreement that facilities discission on several topics related to the children and help parents organize the children, their lives and their schedules. They should be made in the best interest of the children. They can be changed as the children’s needs change over time.

The wording in the Divorce Act has changed and in family law, the words “custody” and “access” have now been replaced with “parenting orders.”

 

What Topics Are Covered?

Guardianship

Having guardianship allows the parents to make important decisions about the children such as schools, culture, religion, health, what to do during emergencies and other issues. In the Parenting Plan, parents can agree who can be appointed guardianship in case of incapacity or death.

 

Parenting Time

Parents can agree on a schedule in the Parenting Plan, including drop-off and pick-up, holidays, weekends, lessons, events, a general schedule on when the child will reside with each parent. There are several different ways to organize parenting time, to best fit the best interests of the children.  

 

Travel

A Parenting Plan can set out what each parent will be responsible to do, when taking the children travelling, such as making sure the travel doesn’t interfere with school, allowing the other parent to be able to call while the child is travelling, when to travel, notice of travel and other issues around travel.

 

Communication

A Parenting Plan can help set out the form and type of communication the parents will have with each other when they have the children. Often times, parents have difficulty communicating with each other and communications should be through email or text only.

 

Parenting Plans are beneficial for separating parents and help facilitate discussions and prevent conflict. Shared parenting can be difficult to navigate. Your Vancouver family lawyer can help you negotiate the Parenting Plan either directly with the other party or their lawyer, or with the help of a mediator. If parents cannot agree on a Parenting Plan, you may need a family law lawyer to help you obtain a court order.

If you are seeking a solutions-focused family law lawyer to help with your Parenting Plan, contact Illuma Family Law for an initial consultation.

 

Want to learn more? Please contact us for a consultation.

The material provided in this blog is for general information and education purposes only and does not contain, and should not be construed as containing, legal advice applicable to a particular set of facts. If you require legal advice, please contact us for a consultation with one of our experienced family law lawyers.

Abby Pang

Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com/team
Previous

What Are the Fees Associated With a Vancouver Divorce Lawyer?
Next

Things to Discuss Before Getting a Pre-Nup!