A parenting plan is a document developed and agreed to by the parents of a minor child and approved by the court. Or, if the parents cannot agree on a plan, it will be established by the court. 

A parenting plan governs the relationship between the parents regarding the child. 

It may address issues such as the child’s education, health care, physical, social, and emotional well-being, and must include a time-sharing schedule.

Notable Terms & Definitions

Time-sharing schedule means a timetable that must be included in the parenting plan that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays that a minor child will spend with each parent.  If developed and agreed to by the parents of a minor child, it must be approved by the court.

Shared parental responsibility means a court-ordered relationship in which both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities with respect to their child and in which both parents confer with each other so that major decisions affecting the welfare of the child will be determined jointly.

Sole parental responsibility means a court-ordered relationship in which one parent makes decisions regarding the minor child.

To help you and your co-parent get started with writing your parenting plan, consider this checklist of important topics & issues.

• Parenting Schedule

• Holidays

• Birthdays and Other Special Occasions

• School Holidays, Sick Days, & Vacation

• Travel

• Discipline

• Health Care

• Education

• Financial Responsibilities

• Parent Communication