When you separate and have minor children, it is mandatory to establish a parenting plan. This plan helps to make arrangements about the care and upbringing of the children after the divorce. The purpose of a parenting plan is to ensure that both parents continue to bear joint responsibility for the children after the divorce. In this article, we explain what a parenting plan is, what agreements should be in it, and how you can establish it.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a document in which parents who are separating make agreements about the care, upbringing, and interaction with their children. The plan has been mandatory since 2009 for parents who are divorcing and have minor children. The aim is to promote communication between parents and to prevent conflicts by making arrangements in advance about how the children are brought up.
Although it is not mandatory to see the children equally, it is important that both parents continue to have access to the children and remain responsible for their wellbeing.
Parenting Plan: 5 Important Agreements
A number of important topics should be discussed when drawing up a parenting plan. These agreements are essential for properly arranging the care and upbringing of the children after the divorce:
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Care and visitation arrangement: Make arrangements about the amount of interaction there is between the parents and the children. This includes determining the days and times when the children are with which parent, as well as the distribution of care and upbringing tasks.
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Drop-off and pick-up: Make clear arrangements about who drops off and picks up the children and at what times this happens.
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Arrangements around special days and holidays: Think about arrangements for birthdays, holidays, and vacations. Who is responsible for the children at which moments?
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Decision-making: Make agreements about how you make important decisions together, such as medical care, school choices, religious upbringing, and other crucial matters.
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Finance and child support: Record the agreements on the costs of raising the children, such as child support. Specify who pays what amounts and who bears the financial responsibility.
In addition to these five points, there can also be other agreements that are specific to your situation. For example, agreements about medication, contact with family, or even behavioral rules such as not smoking by the child in exchange for support with driving lessons.
Co-parenting plan
If you decide to opt for co-parenting, this must specifically be included in the parenting plan. In co-parenting, both parents contribute equally to the care and upbringing of the children. The agreements in a co-parenting plan focus on the distribution of care, such as switch days and where the children stay.
In co-parenting, you can choose for an equal distribution of care, for example by having the children stay with one parent for one week and the other parent for the other week.
Examples of Agreements in a Parenting Plan
In addition to the mandatory agreements, there can be other issues included in the parenting plan to ensure that the plan works well in practice. These could include:
- Agreements about contact with grandparents, family or friends.
- Rules about healthcare, such as when and how often medications are administered.
- Norms and values that are important in upbringing, such as dietary guidelines or rules about screen time.
Does the Parenting Plan have to go to Court?
If you are married or have a registered partnership, the parenting plan must be submitted to the court along with the divorce petition. For cohabiting parents, this is not mandatory, but it is wise to record the plan in a notarial deed to prevent possible conflicts later on.
Establishing a Parenting Plan with Arslan Lawyers
Drawing up a good parenting plan can sometimes be difficult, especially when there are a lot of emotions involved. At Arslan Lawyers, we are happy to help you draw up a solid plan that takes into account the interests of the children and the specific situation of your family. Our family law lawyers have extensive experience in guiding parents in making agreements and recording a parenting plan that is both legally correct and practically feasible.
Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation and discover how we can help you come to good agreements for your children.
