Creating a custody schedule after a divorce is not always easy. Some parents may have gotten divorced because they no longer see eye to eye and constantly disagree, which can make it difficult to come to important decisions. However, when it comes to the children, many Florida parents are willing to compromise in order to do what is best for the kids when it comes to the parenting plan, and for some, that may mean offering the other parent the right of first refusal.
Typically, parenting plans indicate when the children will be with each parent. Because these plans are often created weeks in advance, if not kept on a permanent schedule, custodial parents may not always be able to ensure that the other parent has the kids when an important event comes up. Though many parents call a grandparent or babysitter to watch the kids, divorced parents may want to utilize the right of first refusal to allow the other parent to spend time with the kids.
Essentially, this type of arrangement means that the custodial parent will ask the other parent to watch the kids before asking a babysitter. As a result, the other parent has the opportunity to spend unscheduled time with the kids rather than the custodial parent simply calling a babysitter without asking the other parent first. If possible, it may work best to give the other parent advance notice when it comes to watching the kids rather than the custodial parent asking at the last minute.
Right of first refusal could be immensely useful in a parenting plan. It does not necessarily mean that it will help avoid all custody conflicts, but it could allow for more flexibility. If Florida parents are interested in including this detail in their custody arrangements, they may wish to ensure that it is legally binding.
