According to Montana laws, you and the other parent should consider the following factors when making decisions regarding the development of your parenting plan:
1. The wishes of the child's parent or parents.
2. The wishes of the child.
3. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's parent or parents and siblings.
4. The child's adjustment to home, school, and community.
5. The mental and physical health of all individuals involved.
6. Physical abuse or threat of physical abuse by one parent against the other parent or the child.
7. Chemical dependency, or chemical abuse on the part of either parent.
8. Continuity and stability of care.
9. Developmental needs of the child.
10. Whether a parent has knowingly failed to financially support a child.
11. Whether the child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
12. Adverse effects on the child resulting from continuous and vexatious parenting plan amendment actions.
The Montana courts realize you and the other parent know your own situation better than anyone else, which is why this is your opportunity to create a parenting plan that will maintain a family structure that is in the best interests of your child(ren).