Parenting Plan

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a written agreement between separated parents about how they will raise their children together. It sets out the practical arrangements for day-to-day life and how important decisions will be made.

A parenting plan is not a legal document - it is a working agreement between parents. It can be as simple or detailed as you need, and should be reviewed and updated as children grow and circumstances change.

The key benefit of a parenting plan is clarity. When both parents know what is expected, there is less room for misunderstanding and conflict.

Why Create a Parenting Plan?

• Reduces conflict - Clear expectations mean fewer disagreements
• Provides stability for children - Children feel secure when routines are predictable
• Focuses on children's needs - The process of creating it keeps the focus where it should be
• Avoids court - Many families never need to go to court if they have a working plan
• Flexible - Can be changed by agreement as circumstances evolve
• Demonstrates cooperation - Shows the court (if needed later) that you tried to agree

What Should a Parenting Plan Include?

1. Living Arrangements

• Where the children will live most of the time (primary residence)
• How time is split between homes
• Whether it is a shared care arrangement (50/50 or close to it)

2. Time with Each Parent

• Weekday arrangements (school days)
• Weekend arrangements
• Overnight stays
• After-school and evening routines
• What happens on birthdays and special occasions

3. Holiday Arrangements

• How school holidays are divided
• Christmas and New Year arrangements (alternating years is common)
• Easter, half-terms, summer holidays
• How far in advance holidays abroad must be agreed
• Passport arrangements

4. Handover Logistics

• Where and when handovers take place
• Who is responsible for transport
• What to do if a parent is late
• What the children should bring between homes
• Rules about punctuality and communication about changes

5. Communication

• How parents will communicate (text, email, app)
• How children will stay in touch with the other parent (phone calls, video calls)
• Frequency and timing of calls
• Rules about discussing adult matters with children
• What information should be shared (school reports, medical updates)

6. Education

• School choice and changes
• Who attends parents' evenings and school events
• How school-related decisions are made
• Support with homework
• Extracurricular activities

7. Medical and Health

• How medical decisions are made (routine and emergency)
• Sharing of medical information
• Dental and optical appointments
• Mental health support
• Medication management between homes

8. New Partners

• When new partners can be introduced to children
• Overnight stays with new partners
• What role new partners play in childcare

9. Resolving Disagreements

• How to handle future disagreements
• Agreement to try discussion first
• Agreement to use mediation before court
• Review dates for the plan

Tips for Creating a Successful Parenting Plan

• Put children first - Every decision should be about what is best for them
• Be specific - Vague arrangements lead to disagreements
• Be realistic - Consider work schedules, school locations, and children's activities
• Build in flexibility - Life is unpredictable; agree on how to handle changes
• Keep it child-focused - Use language about the children's needs, not parents' rights
• Include a review date - Plans should evolve as children grow
• Both parents should contribute - It works best when both have input

Sample Parenting Plan Structure

Here is a suggested structure for your parenting plan:

Children covered: [Names and dates of birth] Date agreed: [Date] Review date: [6 or 12 months from now]

1. School term arrangements: [Detail weekly schedule] 2. Weekend arrangements: [Alternate weekends / every weekend / other] 3. Holiday arrangements: [How holidays are divided] 4. Christmas: [Alternating years / split day / other] 5. Birthdays: [Arrangements] 6. Communication: [How parents communicate, how children stay in touch] 7. Handovers: [When, where, who transports] 8. Decision making: [How big decisions are made together] 9. Disagreements: [Try discussion > mediation > court as last resort]

Age-Appropriate Arrangements

Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years)

• Shorter, more frequent visits
• Familiar environments
• Consistent routines are critical
• Gradual increase in time away from primary carer
• May not be ready for overnight stays initially

Young Children (4-7 years)

• Can manage longer periods with each parent
• Need consistent bedtime routines
• School-based schedule works well
• May struggle with transitions - allow settling time

Older Children (8-12 years)

• Can express preferences (which should be considered)
• Social activities become important - plan around these
• Can handle more complex schedules
• Need their own space in both homes

Teenagers (13-17 years)

• Their views carry significant weight
• Need flexibility for social lives and activities
• May prefer longer blocks with each parent
• Should be consulted but not made to choose
• Driving age changes logistics

Making a Parenting Plan Legally Binding

If you want your parenting plan to be legally enforceable, you have two options:

1. Consent Order - Submit the plan to the court as a consent order. A judge approves it and it becomes legally binding. No court hearing is needed.

2. Court Order - If you cannot agree, apply using the C100 form and ask the court to decide.

Many families operate successfully on informal parenting plans without court involvement. Consider a consent order if:

• There is a history of one parent not sticking to agreements
• You want legal certainty
• The arrangements are complex
• There is a risk of relocation

Getting Help Creating Your Plan

If you are struggling to agree on a parenting plan:

• Use our AI assistant - Miam) can help you organise your thoughts and priorities
• Family mediation - A mediator can help you negotiate and draft a plan
• Cafcass resources - Cafcass provides a free parenting plan template
• Collaborative law - Solicitors help you negotiate without going to court

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a parenting plan if we get along well?

Even amicable separations benefit from a written plan. It prevents future misunderstandings and gives children security. It does not need to be rigid - just a shared understanding of how things work.

What if the other parent won't agree to a parenting plan?

You cannot force someone to agree. Try mediation as a neutral space to discuss arrangements. If that fails, you may need to apply to the court using the C100 form for a Child Arrangements Order.

How often should a parenting plan be reviewed?

At least once a year, or whenever there is a significant change (new school, house move, new partner, child's wishes change). Build review dates into the plan itself.

Can children have a say in the parenting plan?

Absolutely, and they should - appropriate to their age. Older children's views carry more weight. However, children should never be put in a position of choosing between parents or feeling responsible for the arrangements.

What if a parenting plan is not being followed?

First, try to discuss the issue directly. If that does not work, consider mediation. If the plan is not a court order, you cannot enforce it legally - you would need to apply for a Child Arrangements Order through the C100 form.

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Official Resources & Further Reading

Cafcass Parenting Plan Resources

• Cafcass - Our Childs Plan - Official template and guidance
• Cafcass Parenting Plan Template (Word) - Downloadable template
• Cafcass - Resources for Parents - Additional support

Government Guidance

• Gov.uk - Making Child Arrangements - Official guidance
• Gov.uk - Arrange Child Maintenance - Financial arrangements
• Sorting Out Separation - Gov.uk partner site

Making Plans Legally Binding

• Consent Orders - Making agreements legally binding
• C100 Form - Court application if agreement fails
• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Up to £500 funding

Support Organisations

• Family Mediation Council - Find accredited mediators
• National Family Mediation - Charity mediation services
• Relate - Relationship support
• Resolution - Family law professionals
• Citizens Advice - Free guidance

Related Guides

• Parenting Plan Cafcass Template - Official template guide
• Parenting Plan Template - Examples and templates
• Co-Parenting Guide - Working together after separation
• Co-Parenting Apps - Digital tools for coordination