2/12/24, 4:38 PM Free Parenting Plan Template | PDF & Word
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Parenting Plan Template
Use our parenting plan template to outline parenting arrangements
for your children after separation.
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Updated September 22, 2023
Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A parenting plan (or a “child custody agreement”) outlines the responsibilities of
each parent when they’re separated or divorced.
Create Your Parenting Plan in Minutes!
Parenting plans are often included in a separation agreement or divorce agreement.
Some parents choose to complete two separate parenting plans to submit to the
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court for consideration, while others work together to reach an agreement before
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completing and signing the plan.
Judge's Approval
A judge must approve a parenting plan that separated or divorced parents
submit. They account for several factors, including the parents’ health
conditions, the parents’ ability to provide basic needs, and the child(ren)’s
preferences.
Table of Contents
What Is a Parenting Plan?
How to Write a Parenting Plan
Tips for Writing a Parenting Plan
Parenting Plan Sample
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan outlines how divorced or separated parents will care for their
child(ren). This document can reduce parental conflicts and offer clarity by
establishing parenting expectations and responsibilities.
Ultimately, the document can benefit both the parents and the child(ren), allowing
them to create an ideal parenting situation that suits their circumstances.
How to Write a Parenting Plan
Here’s a list of steps on how to write a parenting plan:
Step 1 – Add Parent and Child(ren) Information
Fill out the parents’ names, contact information, and the child(ren)’s name and
birthdate.
Later in the agreement, you and your co-parent will be referred to as “First Parent”
and “Second Parent.” Your child(ren) will be called the “minor child.”
Step 2 – Include Custody Arrangements
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Detail the legal and physical custody arrangements for your child(ren). There are
several custody options available:
Sole Legal Custody: Only one parent can make legal decisions for the
child(ren), including health care, education, religion, etc.
Joint Legal Custody: If both parents wish to have joint decision-making
responsibilities, they share equal legal decision-making authority.Joint legal
custody can include decisions about the child(ren)’s welfare, education, and
religious beliefs.
Sole Physical Custody: Physical custody pertains to who the child lives with
and outlines visitation rights for the noncustodial parent. Agreements about
cost-sharing and child support are often included in this section.
Joint Physical Custody: Both parents have equal or significant time with the
child and share physical responsibilities.
You may also consider establishing bird’s nest custody. This custody arrangement is
unique because the child remains in a single home while the parents switch who lives
with the child. While this arrangement may be more inconvenient for the parents, it
creates a stable environment for the child.
Step 3 – Create a Parenting/Visitation Schedule
If one parent has sole or primary physical custody of the child(ren), indicate the other
parent’s visitation rights.
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If parents have joint physical custody, your parenting plan should include a parenting
schedule that dictates which days the child(ren) will spend with each parent.
50/50 Joint Custody Schedule
The ideal parenting schedule for your family can depend on how far apart the two
parents live and how exchanges will work. Typically, in joint custody cases, the goal is
to allow each parent to spend equal time with their child without disrupting their
physical and emotional needs.
A few common examples of joint custody parenting schedules include:
Alternating weeks
2-2-3 schedule: this schedule allows parents to spend half of the week and
alternating long weekends (Friday-Sunday) with their child(ren)
Alternating weeks with a midweek visit or overnight stay
As children grow and their needs and schedules change, you can petition the court to
modify the parenting schedules accordingly.
Holiday Schedule
Your parenting plan should also determine which significant holidays and school
vacations the child(ren) will spend with which parent.
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Step 4 – Determine Parent Rights and
Responsibilities
Co-parents can use this section to describe their rights to see their children in
activities like school sports and emergencies.
Your plan should also clearly state which situations a parent must contact the other
and how they will communicate the information. For example, you can outline the
contact procedure if a medical decision needs to be made for the child. This section
can also include any terms you want to add to the agreement based on your family’s
needs.
When creating a parenting plan, include as many details as possible so both
parents know exactly how they’re expected to respond in various situations.
Step 5 – Make Financial Arrangements
Your parenting plan should detail the following:
How co-parents will split the child(ren)’s expenses
Who will claim the child(ren) as dependents on taxes
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Who will provide the child(ren)’s medical insurance
If applicable, the parenting plan should include the monthly amount the
noncustodial parent will pay in child support.
Step 6 – Sign the Document According to State
Requirements
Check your state’s laws to determine if you need to sign the parenting plan before
witnesses or a notary public.
Witnesses can help verify the agreement’s authenticity if a dispute arises, even if it’s
not required.
Tips for Writing a Parenting Plan
Here are some tips for writing a parenting plan:
Create a Plan as Soon as Possible
Creating a parenting plan in the early stages of a divorce or separation will prevent
your child’s schedule from being disrupted more than necessary and benefit their
overall well-being.
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Consider What Your Children Want
Although younger children might not understand separation, older children, such as
teenagers, would likely want to voice their needs and preferences. It’s suggested you
don’t make important decisions, such as where they’ll spend Christmas, without
them.
Use One Form of Communication With Your Co-
Parent
Specifying a method of communication, such as via an online platform, can be
helpful when you need to discuss issues or share schedules and calendars. You can
centralize your discussions by determining where communications will occur, which
will be essential to refer to in court if an issue arises.
Parenting Plan Sample
Review our parenting plan template and download it as a PDF or Word file below:
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DOWNLOAD PDF DOWNLOAD MS WORD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I write my own parenting plan?
What paperwork do I need to file a custody agreement?
Can you modify a parenting plan without going to court?
What are some examples of visitation rights?
Related Documents
Child Support Modification: Use this form to change a court-ordered child support
agreement that's currently in place.
Child Medical Consent: Authorize another adult to make healthcare decisions for a
minor child.
Child Travel Consent: Notifies others that the child has written permission or legal
authority to travel without their parent(s).
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