Parenting Plans
Parenting Plans
A parenting plan is a written agreement worked out between co-parents that covers the practical issues of parenting. Co-parents are those who share the duties of bringing up children, especially those who are separated or not in a relationship.
A parenting plan can help because it clearly shows what arrangements and actions you have agreed to meet the needs of your children. This can sometimes mean that you can avoid having to go to court to reach such agreement. It can help you to think about what is in the best interests of your children and to put the needs of your children first.
A parenting plan is a written agreement worked out between parents (and sometimes grandparents and other family members) after they separate. The plan covers the practical issues of parenting. It asks you to think about your children and, based on their sex, ages and personalities, what they are likely to need. A parenting plan must put the best interests of the child first and set out a shared commitment to your children and their future.
Online Parenting Plan
A parenting plan can be completed online by both parents.
The many benefits of making a parenting plan together include:
- helping everyone involved know what is expected of them
- creating a clear agreement to refer back to, and
- setting out practical decisions about your children, such as living arrangements, education and health care.
If you do go to court in the future, it is very likely that judges will expect you to have started a parenting plan.
It works by one parent starting a plan and making some suggestions before sending their proposal to their co-parent. This process can continue until you reach agreement over some, most, or all areas. The parenting plan can be downloaded and shared with other people including your children, a mediator, a Cafcass Family Court Adviser or the court itself.
Some parents and carers may complete a parenting plan as part of their learning on a Planning Together for Children course. Planning Together for Children is for those who are referred to the course by a family court adviser or by the court itself.
Word version of the Parenting Plan
As well as using the online Parenting Plan it is possible to download a version of the plan in MS Word, so that it can be completed without needing to be online.
If you are thinking about completing a Parenting Plan online or asking your co-parent to take part in completing one, it may be a good idea to have a look at the Word version to get an idea of what sort of things you will be asked to think about when using the online planner.
When is a Parenting Plan not Appropriate?
If any of the following are occurring and you do not feel safe to continue with the parenting plan, then please do not go ahead.
- Any form of domestic abuse or violence
- Any actual or attempted child abduction
- Any child abuse
- The abuse of drugs, alcohol or other substance misuse
- Any other safety or welfare concerns that place anyone at significant risk of harm.