In the event of parents separating and reaching full agreement about what arrangements should be put in place in relation to their children, it is often a very good idea that this is recorded in a “parenting plan”.
What is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is simply, in effect, a written joint agreed document which sets out expectations, intentions and agreements in respect of how the children will be cared for following separation. Parenting plans can be as wide and as detailed as the parents wish them to be or as limited and general as the parents feel is necessary.
What to cover in a Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans can incorporate and cover a variety of issues which may or may not come into dispute in the future, for example:
- To identify whether the children will be living with one parent and having contact with the other, having a shared arrangement and if not in either circumstance the amount of time the children will spend with each parent;
- How the children will move between homes;
- What the arrangements will be during holidays;
- What the arrangements will be for special occasions including Christmas and other religious festivals, the child’s birthday, the parents’ birthdays, birthdays of other step- or half-siblings, Mother’s and Father’s Days;
- What equipment might transfer between the two houses or whether each will have whatever is necessary for the children in their own home;
- What happens in event of child or parent illness;
- Arrangements regarding schooling and if necessary what discussions will be held in due course as to any change of the child’s school;
- Generalised agreements between the parents about the day to day care and upbringing of the children – this might include agreeing a period of time after each school day which would be dedicated to homework, bedtimes, and for older children, permissions and authority to go out and how long they may be out for;
- The parents may also wish to consider and incorporate an agreement about how and/or how quickly a child might be brought into contact with a parent’s new partner and what information, if any, would be provided to the other about that relationship and the nature of that partner to allay any fears that they may be inappropriate or unsuitable persons for the child to have a relationship with.
- When and how often the plan might be revisited and amended;
- Other issues which of course might arise may well be case specific and also incorporated within the parenting agreement, particularly relating to religion and/or religious upbringing or health matters.
The more general and simpler agreements tend to be sufficient for those parents who already have an extremely good relationship and are able to discuss these matters as and when they arise and reach sensible and uncontroversial agreements. The preparation of a more detailed parenting agreement is often helpful in situations where following separation relations are not as positive as they might be and can be an invaluable aid to improving communication and boundaries moving forward. They can be a very helpful tool to ensure that even in what appears the most fractious or difficult of situations following separation, there is a clear record of what the arrangements and related issues for the children should be.
If possible, a full and detailed parenting agreement should be prepared and entered into by both parents. Whilst it is right to say such plans are not enforceable in the court they are helpful to identify at the outset what had been agreed and intended and can often be a way of reaching an amicable agreement and avoiding a court process in many situations.
It is always advised that legal advice is obtained before entering into such agreement and at Stephens Scown we have lawyers that could help with preparing a parenting plan for you to advise you on its terms. If you would like help and support please contact our specialist Children team who will be happy to help.