Key takeaways
A Parenting Plan is an excellent tool for separated parents
A parenting plan can cover all aspects of a child’s life and there are benefits in agreeing a parenting plan at any stage of a separation.
A template parenting plan is readily available
A template parenting plan, known as ‘Our Child’s Plan’ is available on the Cafcass website.
Dispute resolution
A form of dispute resolution, such as mediation is helpful to resolve disagreements.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a written agreement between separated parents to document practical aspects of parenting and can cover all aspects of a child’s life and will typically include living arrangements, education, healthcare, religion and finances.
Cafcass (The Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service) have produced a Parenting Plan template (referred to as Our Child’s Plan) which is available on their website - Our Child's Plan Start.
Benefits of agreeing a parenting plan
Agreeing a parenting plan in the early days of a separation, ensures that parents and children have certainty and stability of knowing how their relationship with each parent will look going forward. A parenting plan can not only be used in the early days of separation, but at any stage. The benefits to preparing a parenting plan include:
Ensures the focus is on the needs of the children;
Provides the whole family with certainty going forward;
Children can be involved at any stage;
Avoids the expense and delay of court proceedings and allows the parents to agree matters rather than the court imposing a decision on the family; and
Whilst a parenting plan is not legally binding, in the event of future court proceedings; the court would expect that a parenting plan to be completed.
A parenting plan is not appropriate in cases of domestic abuse, child abuse, child abduction, substance misuse or any other safety or welfare concerns.
What to do when a disagreement arises
It is not uncommon for disagreements to arise when trying to complete a parenting plan. In such situations, a form of dispute resolution, such as mediation may be helpful and there are mediators who are also trained in child inclusive mediation. A mediator will not provide legal advice but assist both parties in coming to an agreement.
