Parenting Plans
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Lisa Pepper
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Do I need a parenting plan?
A parenting plan can be highly beneficial for families that share parenting responsibilities. It provides a clear and structured approach to co-parenting, outlining how responsibilities will be shared. This helps to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts, ensuring that both parents are on the same page regarding their roles and expectations.
Non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) methods, such as mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration, play a crucial role in agreeing on a parenting plan. These methods offer parents an alternative to going to court, providing a more amicable and constructive environment to discuss and agree on the arrangements for their children’s care.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan also known as a shared parenting plan or parental agreement is a document that outlines the agreements between parents or legal guardians regarding their children’s custody, visitation, and care. It acts as a guide for co-parenting, placing the children’s best interests at the forefront after separation or divorce.
Parenting plans cover various aspects of child custody, including:
- Where the children will live and how much time they will spend with each parent, including details about weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
- Decisions regarding the children’s schooling, including how school-related matters will be managed and who will be responsible for attending meetings or events.
- Agreements about medical care, including who will make decisions about health treatment, and how routine medical appointments will be handled.
- It specifies when and where the child will spend time with each parent, encompassing regular visits, holidays, vacations, and special occasions.
- The plan addresses who has the responsibility of making important decisions concerning the child’s education, healthcare, religion, extracurricular activities, and other significant matters.
- It outlines how parents will communicate regarding the child’s well-being and share information. This includes methods of communication, frequency of updates, and protocols for conflict resolution.
- Child maintenance: While not always part of the parenting plan, it may involve financial arrangements for supporting the child, including who provides financial assistance and the amount contributed.
- Parental responsibilities: It clarifies the responsibilities of each parent regarding day-to-day care, transport, involvement in the child’s activities, and specific parenting tasks.
- Dispute resolution: The plan may incorporate provisions for resolving disagreements or making changes to the parenting arrangements in the future, such as through mediation or legal assistance.
Parenting plans aim to foster cooperation, stability, and consistency in the child’s life, providing a nurturing and supportive environment. While the details of each plan may vary based on circumstances and jurisdiction, the overall objective is to establish a clear framework for shared parenting that prioritises the child’s well-being.
Is a parenting plan legally binding?
While not a legal requirement, a parenting plan can be formalised and made legally binding, either through mutual agreement or by a Court order. This can provide additional security and enforcement if one parent does not adhere to the agreed-upon terms.
Parenting Plan Template
The CAFCASS website has an interactive tool to help you and your co-parent agree arrangements for your child or children. You can access it here.
Alternatively, you can download a Microsoft Word version here.
Further reading
- Read our blog post: What is Parallel Parenting?
- Read our blog post: What is Co-Parenting And Is It Right for Us?
Speak to us about a parenting plan
Lisa Pepper is a Partner at Osbornes Solicitors LLP and is recommended in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. Lisa is ranked as a Distinguished Individual in Spears Family Law. She is an Accredited Mediator.
To speak with one of our family solicitors, contact us by:
- Filling in our online enquiry form; or
- Calling us on 020 7485 8811
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FAQ
Are Parenting Plans legally binding?
Parenting plans (parenting agreements) are voluntary arrangements. They work best when they are flexible and updated regularly to take into account the child’s changing needs.
They are not legally binding but can be used as evidence of a prior agreed arrangement, should you end up in court on children matters, further down the line if your co-parenting relationship breaks down. Discussing a parenting plan with your ex also flushes out whether you are going to be able to settle child arrangements between yourselves or if you need to consider NCDR (Mediation, Arbitration or Early Neutral Evaluation – ‘ENE’) to help you resolve matters.
If you are considering making a parenting plan legally binding, it is a good idea to speak to a solicitor first. They can discuss the pros and cons and help you draft the paperwork.
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