What are parenting plans?
When parents split up, a parenting plan assists them in sorting out parenting arrangements with respect to any children they have. It sets out rules, a structure and an amicable agreement that works for both parents.
A parenting plan is a voluntary, written agreement that covers the most practical decisions in relation to children. It covers issues like living arrangements, education, healthcare, and finances.
Moreover, the plan aims to resolve disputes amicably and informally about how they plan to parent the child after a divorce. To clarify, it is not a court order and does not prevent either parent from applying for a child arrangements order.
What do parenting plans cover?
This agreement outlines parental aspirations, commitments, plans, and arrangements. It covers a few or all of the following:
- Communication
- Living arrangement
- Decision making
- Child maintenance
- Healthcare and mental well-being
- Travelling abroad
- Education
- Religion
Agreeing on a parenting plan
Separating parents can either agree on the day-to-day arrangements of a child on their own or through the help of a solicitor, mediator, or alternate dispute resolution (ADR) professional. If the parents cannot agree on the contents of their plan, they can approach a dispute resolution service such as mediation to work out the best possible arrangements.
Are parenting plans legally binding?
A parenting plan is not a legally binding document and does not have evidential weight in any court proceedings. However, there is an option to formalise the agreement and make it legally binding through a consent order.
How long does a parenting plan last?
It lasts as long as stated in the document, however, it has to be flexible and open to variations. For instance, it may need to be revised as time passes and the family circumstances change. Most parents include a review date in the plan to review it after a certain period of time or when the child grows.
Wrap Up
The parenting plan is a useful document that helps reach agreements and plans without having the need to go to court. It is well suited for separating families to reach a compromise about multiple issues related to a child.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Connaught Law and authors accept no responsibility for loss that may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Connaught Law. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Connaught Law.
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