What should a parenting plan include?
A thorough parenting plan addresses the practical realities of raising children across two households. At a minimum, consider covering:
- Living arrangements — where the children live and the day-to-day routine.
- Time with each parent — weekdays, weekends, and how transitions happen.
- Holidays and special days — school holidays, birthdays, Christmas and other significant occasions.
- Decision-making — how major long-term decisions about schooling, health and religion are made.
- Communication — how parents will communicate with each other and with the children.
- Travel — arrangements for holidays away, including interstate or overseas.
- Changing the plan — how you'll handle adjustments as children grow and circumstances change.
- Resolving disputes — agreeing to return to mediation before court if disagreements arise.
A template is a starting point — not a substitute for thought
Templates help you remember what to cover, but the value is in the conversation. A mediator helps you work through each element so your plan reflects your children's real needs. See parenting plan mediation →
Is a parenting plan legally binding?
A parenting plan is not directly enforceable, but a court will consider it in any later dispute. To make arrangements legally binding, they can be formalised as consent orders. Many families start with a plan and convert it once arrangements have settled.
How a mediator helps
Working through a parenting plan with an accredited mediator ensures nothing important is missed and that both parents genuinely agree — which is what makes a plan last. It keeps the focus on the children rather than on conflict.