Parenting Plans: A Practical Guide for Separated Parents
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Lisa Pepper
Table of Contents
Summary:
A parenting plan outlines the responsibilities and arrangements between parents regarding their children's custody and care, helping to minimize conflicts and misunderstandings. While not legally required, it can be formalized to provide enforcement. Non-court dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, can aid in creating these plans.
A well-written parenting plan can help separated parents reduce conflict while putting children’s needs first.
When parents divorce or separate, their biggest concern is ensuring their children continue to receive love, support, and stability. Establishing clear arrangements for your child’s care can make an enormous difference to their well-being during this emotionally challenging time.
Imagine a child torn between two households, unsure of where they’ll be next weekend or who’s picking them up from school. A parenting plan provides clarity, structure, and reassurance, for both children and parents.
This guide explains what a parenting plan is, what it should include, and how you can create one that works for your family.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan (also known as a parenting agreement or shared parenting plan) is a written agreement between parents that sets out how they will care for their child following separation or divorce.
It typically covers:
- Living arrangements
- Visitation and contact
- Schooling and education
- Health care decisions
- Financial responsibilities
- Holidays and special occasions
- Communication between parents
Parenting plans are voluntary and not legally binding, but they can help reduce misunderstandings and conflict. They also keep the focus on the child’s needs, rather than the parents’ disagreements.
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.
Benefits of a parenting plan
- Encourages co-operation and communication
- Provides structure and routine for children
- Reduces the risk of disputes and confusion
- Helps avoid going to court
While informal, parenting plans can later be formalised into a legally binding agreement or court order if needed.
Shared parenting and the Re Z case
A landmark case, Re Z (2006), highlighted how shared parenting can work even when parents have serious disagreements. Despite a history of conflict, the parents in this case agreed to a 50/50 shared care arrangement without going to court.
The Re Z parenting plan was endorsed by the court as a model, showing that shared care can succeed with clear, structured agreements. It remains a relevant example for parents today, demonstrating that shared care is possible, even in less-than-amicable situations, with the right legal support and a focus on the child’s best interests.
Key Components of a Parenting Plan
A comprehensive plan should cover the following:
1. Living Arrangements
- Where your child will live
- How time is divided (e.g., 50/50 or 70/30)
- Term-time vs. holiday arrangements
2. Contact and Communication
- When the child sees the other parent
- Phone/video call expectations
- Keeping emotional bonds strong
3. Schooling and Education
- School choices and attendance
- Homework routines
- Parent-teacher communication
4. Health Care
- Who manages appointments
- Sharing medical information
- Emergency contact procedures
5. Religion and Culture
- Agreement on religious upbringing
- Involvement in cultural events
6. Holidays and Special Occasions
- Birthday and holiday scheduling
- Alternating arrangements
7. Communication Between Parents
- How and when to communicate
- Protocols for major decisions
8. Financial Contributions
- Day-to-day costs (e.g., uniforms, lunches)
- Child maintenance (handled separately)
9. Changes and Dispute Resolution
- Annual reviews of the plan
- Mediation or legal advice for disputes
Using CAFCASS Templates
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent organisation that supports children in family court cases in England. It offers helpful tools and templates for creating parenting plans. These include:
- An interactive online tool
- Downloadable Microsoft Word templates
When mediation helps
If you struggle to agree on parenting arrangements, mediation can help. A trained mediator supports both parents to focus on the child’s needs and work towards a mutually acceptable plan.
Programs like Planning Together for Children offer workshops and resources to support collaborative parenting.
If there are concerns about safety (e.g., abuse or substance misuse), legal advice is essential.
Parenting Plan Template – Re Z Schedule
First Schedule (Shared parenting commitments)
- Equal parental responsibility
- Shared care commitment
- Equal time during holidays
- School attendance and passport agreements
Second Schedule (Children’s rights)
- Ongoing relationship with both parents
- Age-appropriate explanations
- No manipulation or conflict exposure
Speak to us about a parenting plan
Every family is different. If you’re creating a parenting plan or struggling to agree on arrangements, professional legal advice can help you protect your child’s best interests. At Osbornes Law, our family solicitors are experts in co-parenting arrangements and dispute resolution.
To speak with one of our family solicitors, contact us by:
- Filling in our online enquiry form; or
- Calling us on 020 7485 8811
Further reading
- Read our blog post: What is Parallel Parenting?
- Read our blog post: What is Co-Parenting And Is It Right for Us?
About the author
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.
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“The family law team at Osbornes is one of the strongest in London; across all areas of work from international cases, financial and children work, Osbornes is a market leader.”
“Osbornes Law has an excellent children law department. It is client focused and committed to achieving the best outcome for its clients and it keeps the focus on the bigger picture.”
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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