It is the policy of this state to:

(1) Assure minor children of frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interests of the child;

(2) Encourage such parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their children after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage;

(3) Encourage parents to develop their own parenting plan with the assistance of legal and mediation professionals, if necessary;

(4) Grant parents and courts the widest discretion in developing a parenting plan; and

(5) Consider the best interests of the child and the safety of the parties in developing a parenting plan. [1997 c.707 § 1]