It can be difficult to determine a fair visitation schedule in your parenting plan.
A plan that works for both parents and supports the child's school and activity schedule is ideal for everyone involved.
By working out a schedule in advance, you can eliminate conflict and surprises.
Your child will know what to expect, and drop off and pick up times can proceed more smoothly arranged in advance.
Keep the following points in mind as you work on your parenting plan:

• What is your child's daily routine? Will your child respond better to a traditional custody arrangement, spending weekdays at one home, and weekends at the other? Would he or she prefer to spend longer blocks of time with each parent, and cut down the drop off/pick up shuffle that occurs every 3-5 days with a traditional plan.
  
• Choose a neutral place as a drop odd /pick up spot.
  An ideal location is easy for both parents to get to, and an impartial or public place.
  If parents get along well, a system of "dropping off" the child to the receiving parent's home will work as well.
  
• Determine what belongings your child will need duplicates of, and come up with a plan for keeping track of school work and supplies, sports equipment, musical instruments, and other items which may need to travel with the child.
  
• Stock each home with essentials, so your child doesn't need to haul small items like toiletries back and forth.
  
• Once your daily plan is in place, consider what you will do for major, minor, and school holidays.
  Will the child spend all holidays with one parent one year, and all holidays with the other parent the next, or do you prefer to alternate? Make sure holidays are discussed and agreed upon in advance.
  
• Don't forget special events like birthday parties, school functions, and family events.
  If you include these in your schedule in advance; you will only have to discuss them once.
  
• If you need some help setting up a plan, you can use a computer program to create your parenting plan and visitation.
  You can then present it to your local family court as part of your custody case if needed.
  
• By working on the arrangements together, you and your child's other parent can reach an agreement that works for both of you and your child.
  Once you settle your parenting plan, make sure both parties have a copy, so there are no questions about whose turn it is to drop off, pick up, or celebrate a holiday with your child.