Professor Ariana D. Meyers Publishes Article in the Child and Family Law Journal
The article explores practical strategies for drafting clear, precise, and effective parenting plans to reduce post-judgment conflict and support children’s best interests.
Assistant Professor of Law and Family Law Clinic Director Ariana D. Meyers has published “From Conflict to Clarity: Drafting Parenting Plans Grounded in Practicality and Precision” in the Child and Family Law Journal, Volume 14, Issue 1 (2026).
The article examines how parenting plans can be drafted to reduce post-judgment ambiguity and conflict between co-parents. Drawing on statutory requirements, model frameworks, and case law from jurisdictions across the country, Professor Meyers offers practical guidance and adaptable sample provisions that practitioners and courts can adapt to the needs of individual families.
The article addresses several key considerations in drafting effective parenting plans, including equal and non-equal parenting time schedules, such as 2-2-3 alternating weekly arrangements; phased supervised parenting time, automatic reversion provisions, and safe exchange logistics; remedies for parental alienation, including reunification therapy; mediation requirements and sanctions for noncompliance; alcohol and marijuana restrictions, including objective testing procedures, cost allocation, and enforcement; and co-parenting communication tools, such as OurFamilyWizard.
The article concludes that a carefully drafted parenting plan, one that anticipates both the present and future needs of the child, can minimize the need for future court intervention and support a more cooperative co-parenting relationship.
