What is a Parenting Plan and do I need one?

Have you separated and are finding it difficult to agree how you will co-parent or maybe you have agreed that you want to co-parent and you want to have a framework for the future. A parenting plan can be a key tool to help you make arrangements about how you will discuss key issues and co-parent.  Whilst you don’t necessarily need to use a template. The Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS) have produced a helpful template that can be tailored to meet your requirements. A link to download a copy can be found here. 

The parenting plan can covers all the details and arrangements that you may want to discuss and to ensure that you can co-parent effectively to act in the best interest of the child, such as living arrangements, childcare, education, health etc.

Whilst a parenting plan is not legally binding, it is a very useful tool for parents to navigate co-parenting.  We can assist in preparation of the plan either through mediation or through speaking to one of our experienced child lawyers.