Parenting Plans allow parents to have control over the care arrangements for their children after separation.

If you are about to separate or have been separated for some time, you and the other parent need to think about and agree on arrangements about the children. Children worry about what is going to happen to them when their parents split up, and it can be a big relief to them if arrangements are made and they are aware of what is going to happen.

You can have a verbal agreement about parenting arrangements and it doesn’t have to be written down, but if you put it in writing a parenting plan is a good option.

What is a parenting plan?

A parenting plan is a written, dated and signed agreement that separated parents make about the future care of their children. When making a parenting plan the most important thing for you to think about is, what is in the best interests of your children. The parenting plan can include anything that you and the other parent need to agree on regarding the children.

For example, things that can be considered and included in the parenting plan are:

• where and who your children will live with;
• what time the children spend with each parent;
• when and how your children can communicate with you, the other parent, and grandparents;
• who will decide about the major long term issues (like schooling or healthcare);
• what activities will the children do, and who will pay for them; and
• how changes to the plan can be made.

If there is no agreement on issues that relate to your child, you can get assistance from a Family Relationship Centre to help you come to an agreement.

How useful is a parenting plan?

Agreeing on Parenting Plans allow parents to have control over the process and you won’t need to go to Court. If you can come to a workable agreement without going to court, it will save you both a lot of money, time and stress, and it is better for the children.

A major benefit is that parenting plans are flexible. They are easy to modify if you or your child’s circumstances change. They do not need to be registered or approved by the Family Court and can override an earlier Family Court Order. This means as parents of the children you can quickly and efficiently manage changes in your children’s arrangements. It is important to review your plan frequently, especially if your children are very young.

Parenting plans are different to Family Court orders because they are not enforceable by the Family Court. This means that you cannot take the other parent to court if they break a condition of the plan. With parenting plans no obligation is created on you or your ex about how your child will be looked after in the future. Instead, it acts as a guide about how your child will be cared for.

How can a parenting plan benefit my divorce?

A parenting plan is a useful resource to have. It makes sure that everyone in your family knows what is expected of them in the care of the children and can be easily adapted to changing situations.

If you are unsure about whether a parenting plan is the right option for you or you want to discuss what needs to be considered in establishing a Parenting Plan give Wayne Dawkins a call on 9214 3997.