The Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Forms and General Time-Sharing Schedules contained on the Alabama Parenting Plans website and in the corresponding Alabama Model Parenting Plan Forms and General Time-Sharing Schedules Handbook were adapted from a variety of sources, including documents provided by Alabama family law judges and practicing family law attorneys. In addition, parts of the Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Forms were adapted from similar forms used in several other states, most notably Florida. Child development and family therapy experts developed the General Time-Sharing Schedules, which are based on custody type and child development research regarding the age and developmental needs of children. Most of the General Time-Sharing Schedules have a list of advantages and disadvantages for children.
Several focus groups reviewed drafts of this website, as well as its two court forms and 111 time-sharing schedules, numerous times. These focus groups included: (1) a group of family law judges, attorneys, and child experts from Tuscaloosa and Birmingham which has been meeting for several years; (2) a workshop webinar of Alabama family law judges; (3) a group of parents, child development specialists, and early childhood educators from The Child Development Research Center at The University of Alabama; (4) a workshop of circuit court judges; and (5) a workshop of judicial assistants. Each review conducted by a focus group or workshop resulted in feedback used to improve this website and its court forms.
The Alabama Parenting Plans website and its corresponding Handbook do not serve as legal advice. The Alabama Parenting Plans website and the Handbook provide options for creating a personalized parenting plan and selecting a General Time-Sharing Schedule that best meets the unique needs of the child(ren).
The Alabama Law Institute wishes to acknowledge the assistance, guidance, and support given by the following members:
Alabama Law Institute
Standing Family Law Committee
Chair: J. Noah Funderberg, B.A., J.D.
Reporter: Penny A. Davis, B.S., M.A., J.D.
Subcommittee
Mary Elizabeth Curtner-Smith, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., CFLE
Robin Maddox, B.S., M.S., LMFT
Caroline O. Taylor, B.S., M.Ed., LPC
Joanne Terrell, B.A., M.S.W., LICSW
The University of Alabama Students Assisting with Handbook Compilation and Alabama Parenting Plans Website:
Lauren Donaldson, The University of Alabama, Randall Research Scholars Program
Anna Kate Manchester, The University of Alabama, Randall Research Scholars Program