A Parenting Plan is an essential tool for separated or divorced parents to establish clear guidelines for raising their child by outlining custody schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and conflict resolution methods.

A Parenting Plan is a detailed document that outlines how parents will raise their child after separation or divorce. Unlike informal verbal agreements, a Parenting Plan is structured and documented, helping to ensure that both parents understand their responsibilities and the expectations placed upon them. This, in turn, can reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.

Parenting Plan is a forward-thinking way to handle conflict and tough conversations before they arise so that your co-parenting relationship can be as stable and harmonious as possible.

In this Aatos guide, we’ll explore what a Parenting Plan is, why it’s so important, whether it’s legally enforceable in the UK, and how you can create one that works for your family.

Parenting Plan: Overview

The primary aim of the Parenting Plan is to establish a cooperative, structured framework that prioritises the child’s wellbeing, minimising conflict between parents.

A clear Parenting Plan sets out exactly what’s expected from each parent, which can prevent arguments down the road. By spelling out how both parents will share the responsibilities of raising their child, the plan helps create a stable and supportive environment for the child.

It also brings peace of mind to both the parents and the child by reducing stress and uncertainty, making sure everyone knows what’s going to happen and when.

What Does Parenting Plan Include?

• Living Arrangements: Specifies where the child will live, including day-to-day living schedules and shared custody arrangements.
• Contact Arrangements: Details how the child will spend time with each parent and other significant family members. This may cover regular visits, weekends, holidays, and special occasions.
• Decision-Making: Defines how important decisions will be made, such as those regarding education, medical care, and religious upbringing, including which parent will take primary responsibility for particular areas.
• Communication: Outlines expectations for communication between parents and with the child, covering methods of contact, frequency, and guidelines for respectful, constructive exchanges.
• Financial Support: While often dealt with separately, the parenting plan may also touch on financial responsibilities regarding child-related expenses.
• Relocation and Travel: Addresses the protocols for either parent moving to a different location and agreements on travel permissions, especially for international trips.
• Review and Adjustments: Establishes how often the plan will be reviewed and updated as the child’s needs evolve.

While Parenting Plans are often developed independently by parents, mediation services and legal professionals can assist in their creation.

Are Parenting Plans Legally Enforceable?

In England and Wales, a Parenting Plan is not automatically legally binding.

However, it serves as a written agreement between the parents about how they will raise their children after separation or divorce. While the plan itself isn’t enforceable by a court, it can be used as a reference to show the intentions and agreements of both parents at the time it was created.

If parents want to make the terms of a Parenting Plan legally enforceable, they can apply to the court to have these terms made into a Consent Order.

Parenting Plan and Consent Order

A Consent Order is a UK legal document approved by a court that makes the agreements within the Parenting Plan legally binding. This is usually done when both parents agree to the terms of the plan and want to ensure that there is a legal mechanism to enforce compliance.

Therefore, while the Parenting Plan can guide and facilitate cooperative parenting, taking the step to formalise the plan into a Consent Order gives it legal weight, providing both parties with assurance that the agreement must be adhered to.

Consent Order: Step-by-Step

1. Drafting A Consent Order with help from a solicitor or legal professional.
2. The Consent Order is submitted to the family court alongside a Form A and Form D81 (a financial statement for a financial remedy order) detailing both parties’ financial circumstances.
3. A judge will review the Consent Order, primarily focusing on whether it is fair, especially if children are involved. If the judge finds it reasonable, they will approve it, making it legally binding.
4. If a judge finds the terms unfair or one-sided, especially if there is an imbalance in assets or if one party may end up in financial hardship, they may refuse the Order. In such cases, the judge may suggest amendments or request additional information before approving it.
5. Once approved, the Consent Order is enforceable by law. If either party fails to comply, the other can apply to the court to enforce the Order.

💡 Consent Orders are particularly useful in amicable divorces where couples agree on the division of their finances. However, if disputes remain, mediation or court intervention might be necessary.

How to Create a Parenting Plan?

Creating a parenting plan in the UK can be a collaborative and structured process that helps you and your co-parent set clear expectations and maintain focus on your child’s needs.

Review what a parenting plan generally includes, such as living arrangements, schedules, and communication guidelines. Use resources like the government’s Parenting Plan Guide, which offers guidelines specifically for the UK.

Write down the agreed terms clearly and concisely, using a template if helpful.

Children’s needs change, so agree to review the plan regularly, such as annually or biannually, or when significant changes arise. Update any sections as necessary, ensuring the plan continues to meet your child’s best interests.

💡 A mediator can help both parents navigate challenging topics, resolve differences, and build a balanced plan, ensuring both voices are heard.

Parenting Plan – Free Template

A basic template for a UK parenting plan to helps you outline arrangements for co-parenting.

⚠️ This free template covers key sections but can be tailored to fit your specific family situation.

Parenting Plan Template

1. Basic Information

• Child's Full Name:
• Date of Birth:
• Parents’ Names and Contact Information:
  • Parent 1: [Name, Phone, Email]
  • Parent 2: [Name, Phone, Email]

2. Living Arrangements

• Primary Residence: Where will the child live most of the time?
• Schedule: Days and times the child will be with each parent, including weekends, weekdays, and holidays.

3. Holidays and Special Occasions

• Outline arrangements for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
• School Holidays: Detail how these will be divided or shared.

4. Contact Arrangements

• Specify the form and frequency of contact between the child and the non-resident parent, including phone calls, video calls, etc.

5. Education and Activities

• Schooling: Who will make decisions about the child’s education and be the main point of contact with the school?
• Extracurricular Activities: List any regular activities, who will be responsible for them, and any cost-sharing agreements.

6. Healthcare

• Medical Decisions: Specify who will make medical decisions and how information about the child’s health will be shared.
• Health Insurance: Outline who provides health coverage and how medical expenses are managed.

7. Financial Arrangements

• Child Maintenance: Amount and frequency of child maintenance payments.
• Other Expenses: Agreement on other child-related expenses (e.g., schooling, activities).

8. Communication Between Parents

• Frequency and Methods: How and when will you communicate about the child’s wellbeing and other important updates?
• Guidelines for Respectful Communication: Agree on a code of conduct to maintain a positive relationship.

9. Relocation and Travel

• Moving: Outline any agreements on notification requirements if either parent plans to move.
• Travel: Describe the process for granting permission for the child’s travel, particularly for trips abroad.

10. Reviewing the Plan

• Review Schedule: Specify how often the plan will be reviewed and adjusted as the child grows.
• Conflict Resolution: Agree on methods to resolve disputes, such as mediation.

Each section should be filled out collaboratively, and you may consider having the plan reviewed by a family mediator or legal advisor to ensure clarity and balance.

A well-defined Parenting Plan is about creating a stable, supportive environment for your child and reducing stress for everyone involved. By clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities, you can help prevent conflicts and ensure that your child’s needs are always the top priority.