What Should Be in a Parenting Plan? Connecticut Custody Agreements Explained

In this episode of Irretrievable Breakdown: All Things Divorce, Matt Dolan and Nicole Bikakis of Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC explain what should be included in a parenting plan during a Connecticut divorce or custody case.A parenting plan sets expectations for how parents will share responsibilities after separation, including legal custody, physical custody, parenting time, holidays, vacations, transportation, decision-making, communication, relocation, and dispute resolution. Matt and Nicole discuss how parenting plans can help reduce conflict, create predictability, and provide structure for both parents and children.This episode covers common Connecticut custody schedules, including primary physical custody, shared parenting plans, the 2-2-3 schedule, the 2-2-5-5 schedule, and week-on/week-off parenting arrangements. Matt and Nicole explain how a parenting schedule should account for the child’s age, school schedule, extracurricular activities, transitions between homes, and each parent’s work schedule.Listeners will also learn why parenting plans should address holiday schedules, summer vacation, school breaks, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, transportation responsibilities, out-of-state travel, international travel, passports, and the right of first refusal. The episode also explains how parents can agree to deviate from the court-ordered schedule when both sides agree.Matt and Nicole also discuss the difference between joint legal custody, sole legal custody, and final decision-making authority, including how parents may handle major decisions about school, doctors, religion, extracurricular activities, and medical care. They also explain why communication tools like OurFamilyWizard or AppClose may be helpful when co-parenting communication is difficult.Whether you are going through a Connecticut divorce, negotiating a custody agreement, creating a parenting plan, dealing with co-parenting conflict, or trying to understand what should be included in a parenting schedule, this episode offers practical guidance for building a plan that supports your child and reduces future disputes.Learn more about Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC:Website: https://dolanfamilylaw.com/Contact: https://dolanfamilylaw.com/contact-us/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dolandivorcelawyerspllc7203Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolanfamilylaw/Email: [email protected]: 203-902-8395This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, contact a qualified family law attorney.