Providing expert assistance for developing effective, high-quality parenting plans, this book covers a broad range of information that serves as both essential reference material and a hands-on toolbox for family lawyers and related professionals. Author Daniel J. Hynan, Ph.D., ABAP, considers everything from ongoing controversies to empirical research to practical yet crucial considerations in the day-to-day lives of families.

Accessible to professionals with all levels of experience in the area, this book integrates practical considerations about parenting plans with scientifically based and professional information. It begins by describing many of the controversies in the parenting plan arena, then provides a description of the foundation for building a good parenting plan.

Parenting Plans: Meeting the Challenges with Facts and Analysis provides important information to assist in creating age- and situation-appropriate plans. Topics include:

• An overview of scientific, factual information about what is important for children of separation and divorce
• Difficult parenting plan cases that raise issues about very young children, domestic violence, or other family conflict
• Questions or concerns about child mental health and/or special needs
• Dealing with parental mental health and related problems
• Cases that involve allegations of parental alienation or possible relocation
• Parenting plan concerns for gay and lesbian parents, as well as never married parents
• Child abuse and/or neglect
• Circumstantial factors and children’s ages and stages of development that need to be considered

Real family law cases often involve a combination of issues that cover several of these areas of concern. The book includes parenting plan case descriptions that include real-life complexities and related efforts to develop time-sharing calendars that promote what is best for the children.