Creation of a parenting plan can go off track easily. It is difficult to streamline the schedules of two households to work together, but it is essential in a divorce that you find a way to come up with a plan that works for everyone.

New York courts may step in if needed, but ideally, this is one part of your divorce you want to try to negotiate with your spouse.

Coming up with a plan on your own can help ensure that it works for your family. You can take into consideration many things that the court is not able to. In addition, it gives you the chance to think about creative solutions.

Here are strategies to help make the process easier for you.

1. Make plans for communication

Parents Magazine explains one of the first things you have to do is agree on how you will communicate and set ground rules for interaction. Sharing of information is often a considerable problem with custody situations. If you can agree on how and when you will communicate with the other parent, it helps make everything operate more smoothly.

2. Customize to your family’s needs

Your family is unique. No one size fits all plan is going to work for every family. Courts have general arrangements they usually put in place, but this may not work for your family. Consider everyone’s schedule when creating your parenting plan. Consider after-school activities, work hours and travel times to come up with something customized to your situation.

3. Be realistic about schedules

While you may want to have your children more often, it may not be practical. You may want to go to every school event for each of your children, but it might not work with your schedule. You have to be realistic when putting together a plan. Be practical about logistics.

Typically, parents are passionate about custody issues. However, it is also one part of your divorce where you can work together with your ex-spouse and reach an agreement. When you argue or refuse to work as a team, everyone loses.