Executive Summary:
Trying to agree on a parenting schedule after a divorce in Kansas City can be one of the hardest parts of co-parenting. If you and your ex can’t get on the same page, the court may have to step in and make the decision for you. When that happens, it’s important to understand how judges decide parenting time in Kansas City, what the Kansas parenting time guidelines actually say, and how to approach a parenting schedule disagreement in Kansas City with a plan. This blog breaks it all down so you know what to expect and how to protect your time with your child.
What Happens When Parents Disagree on a Parenting Schedule?
Parenting plans are meant to provide structure and stability for children after a separation or divorce. But even with the best intentions, it’s not always easy for parents to agree on the details. A parenting schedule disagreement in Kansas City can involve anything from weekday exchanges to holiday time and/or summer vacations.
When these conflicts can’t be resolved through negotiation or mediation, a judge steps in to decide. Knowing how judges decide parenting time in Kansas City can help you prepare for the process and know what to expect in court.
What Do Kansas Parenting Time Guidelines Say?
The Kansas parenting time guidelines provide a framework for what parenting schedules should look like based on the age and developmental needs of the child. These are not one-size-fits-all rules, but rather starting points to help families create fair and workable schedules.
For example, the Kansas parenting time guidelines encourage frequent and meaningful contact with both parents, as long as it’s in the child’s best interest. Judges use these guidelines when parents cannot agree and need help determining a reasonable plan.
Whether you’re dealing with a newborn, a teenager, or children of multiple ages, the Kansas parenting time guidelines give judges a tool for making consistent decisions when there’s a parenting schedule disagreement in Kansas City.
How Judges Decide Parenting Time in Kansas City
When parents can’t reach a compromise, the court reviews the situation and makes a ruling based on what will serve the child best. How judges decide parenting time in Kansas City depends on a number of factors––not just who makes the request or who has more income.
Here’s what the court typically considers:
- Each parent’s role in caregiving and involvement in the child’s life
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s adjustment to school, home, and community
- Whether either parent has a history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The ability of each parent to cooperate and support the child’s relationship with the other parent
The court also considers how well the proposed parenting plan aligns with the Kansas parenting time guidelines. If the judge finds that one parent’s proposal better supports the child’s well-being and routine, that plan may be adopted, especially when there’s an ongoing parenting schedule disagreement in Kansas City.
What if One Parent Wants More Time?
It’s common for one parent to feel that the proposed schedule doesn’t give them enough time with their child. This can lead to a parenting schedule disagreement in Kansas City that requires court involvement. Judges are not automatically in favor of equal 50/50 schedules, but they do look for ways to maintain strong, healthy relationships between the child and both parents.
When determining how judges decide parenting time in Kansas City, the court may ask whether a parent is seeking more time for the child’s benefit or their own. The answer to that question can affect the outcome.
The Kansas parenting time guidelines help ensure that decisions are based on what supports the child’s stability, and not just what’s convenient for the parents.
How to Prepare for a Custody Hearing
If you’re headed to court over a parenting schedule disagreement in Kansas City, preparation matters. You should be ready to show the judge how your proposed schedule supports the child’s routine, education, relationships, and health.
Bring documentation if needed, such as school calendars, activity schedules, or communication records. The more specific and child-centered your proposal, the more likely it is to align with the Kansas parenting time guidelines.
Understanding how judges decide parenting time in Kansas City also means being realistic. Judges want both parents to be involved. Fighting for excessive time without a clear reason may backfire if it appears you’re not prioritizing the child’s needs.
If you’re in the middle of a parenting schedule disagreement in Kansas City, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of your rights. But you don’t have to handle it alone. Knowing how judges decide parenting time in Kansas City and how the Kansas parenting time guidelines apply can make all the difference in your outcome.
At Kansas Legal Group, our experienced family law attorneys work with parents to present strong, child-focused proposals and protect what matters most. Whether you’re in mediation, preparing for a court hearing, or trying to understand your options, we’re here to help you move forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need to resolve your parenting time dispute with confidence.
Igers Vangjeli
Managing Attorney at Kansas Legal Group
As Managing Attorney at Kansas Legal Group, Igers Vangjeli is dedicated to guiding families through legal challenges with professionalism and empathy. He emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect in resolving disputes, often working collaboratively with opposing counsel to find solutions that benefit all parties. Known for his skilled negotiation tactics, Igers tailors his approach to protect clients’ interests while minimizing conflict. Whether through mediation or litigation, he provides trusted support at every stage, ensuring his clients feel fully supported and understood.
Education: University of Connecticut School of Law
Years of Experience: 7+ years of high-level divorce experience