What Specific Issues Are Addressed in a South Carolina Parenting Plan?

No breakup is easy when the spouses or partners are parents to minor children. When parents separate or divorce in South Carolina, they must create a parenting plan outlining how they will share time and responsibilities for their children. Regardless of the circumstances that led to the split, it is best for parents to put their conflict to the side and concentrate on what will be best for their sons and daughters.

A well-structured parenting plan provides stability and helps reduce conflicts by setting clear expectations. If parents cannot agree on the terms, then the judge will set forth arrangements based on what he or she believes to be in the child’s best interests. Specific elements of a South Carolina parenting plan include the following: 

• Living arrangements — Either parent can apply for sole custody of their child or they can request joint custody. Even in joint physical custody arrangements, it often is necessary for the youth to spend most of their time in one home due to schooling and other obligations. In these situations, joint custody can be awarded with one parent having primary custody and the other having secondary custody.

• Weekend and vacation visitation — When one parent has sole or primary custody, the other typically has visitation rights. Often, this means that child spends every other weekend in the residence of the parent who is not the primary caretaker. Courts frequently extend weekend visitation so that the child goes to the noncustodial parent’s home after school on Thursday or stays overnight in the noncustodial parent’s home on Sunday. If the homes are reasonably close, midweek visits might be mandated as well. During summer vacation and other school breaks, custody schedules often shift to allow for longer visits with the non-custodial parent.  

• Holidays and birthdays — Your parenting plan should have a schedule of all major holidays within a year, listing where the child will be during each one. Many people opt for an alternating schedule, in which a child switches between homes for most holidays. In year one, a child would be with their mother on Halloween, but with their father on Thanksgiving. The schedule would reverse in year two. It is also important to note special days where the child will be with one parent every year, such as parental birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and family reunions.  As for children’s birthdays, some parents agree to alternate years, while others choose to split time on the child’s birthday or celebrate separately.

• Decision-making responsibility — The parenting plan should also account for how decisions will be made on important matters involving their child. Specific issues that are mentioned in South Carolina’s parenting plan form include medical and dental care, religious training, education and extracurricular activities. 

When creating a parenting plan after a divorce or the end of a nonmarital relationship, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you craft a fair and effective parenting plan that meets legal requirements and serves your child's needs.

McManaway Law, LLC represents Upstate South Carolina residents in legal matters relating to parenting plans and other issues relating child custody, visitation and support. Please call 864-428-8912 or contact me online to discuss your particular situation. My office is in Greenville.