Getting everything set in a parenting plan can often seem overwhelming, particularly because of the vast number of decisions that go into it. One decision that some people may not think about is how childcare will be handled if the parent who currently has their children with them is unable to watch them.
Some parenting plans contain the right of first refusal, which provides a potential solution to that dilemma. The right of first refusal requires the parent who has the children to ask the other parent if they want to watch the children before other childcare options are used.
Why is the right of first refusal important?
The right of first refusal allows the children to spend more time with their parents instead of with other caregivers. This is beneficial to the children and their parents since it provides them with more opportunities to bond with each other and create memories.
When does the right of first refusal apply?
The exact terms of the right of first refusal depend on the terms in the parenting plan. Some parents put minimum times in the agreement so that they only have to offer the other parent the time with the children if it’s more than a certain time. For example, it may be set up so that the right of first refusal is triggered if the parent needs childcare for two hours or more.
How does the right of first refusal work?
The parent who needs the childcare should contact the other parent as soon as they know they need help. The other parent should provide a response in a reasonable amount of time, which may be clarified in the parenting plan. This should give the parent who needs childcare time to find a suitable caregiver if the other parent is unable to care for the children.
The right of first refusal is only one of the terms that should be covered in the parenting plan. It might be beneficial to work with someone familiar with these matters so they can help determine the points that should be included.
