A parenting plan is fundamental to any successful co-parenting relationship. It is a voluntary written agreement between parents (and can include other family members). The plan covers the practical aspects of co-parenting such as living arrangements, healthcare, and finances. It encourages you to put the children first, to agree on how you will work together, as well as how you will behave and treat one another. It also allows you to decide how to handle potential issues amicably and without emotion, such as the introduction of new partners. 

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It is a misconception by many that the courts will decide what the arrangements are when there are children involved. On the contrary, the courts believe you as parents are responsible for working together to decide what is best for your children. Only if an agreement cannot be reached can you apply for a court order on a specific matter. Although parenting plans are not legally binding they are a great tool for making an agreement between the two of you, so you all  know where you stand. They can also be used as evidence should you go to court for a child-related order. 

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You can download the parenting plan I have created for my clients here.

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The co-parenting plan includes:

1. Values, behaviours and roles

2. Main living arrangements 

3. Travel and handovers

4. Routines and parenting values

5. Communication

6. Holidays and special arrangements

7. New partners 

8. Moving away 

9. Other issues/influences 

10. Child’s input

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Each parent should complete the form separately, then you need to come together to review the plans.  Once you have worked through each plan, another copy of the form can be filled out, printed and signed as a record of the agreed arrangements. 

When completing this document it’s important to put your children's needs first. Although the romantic part of your relationship is over, your responsibility to your children remains the same. Your behaviour and ability to make good on that promise will determine the partners and parents they will become.

If you need more help with how to fill in or work together on your co-parenting plan, get in touch.

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