PARENTING PLANS

A Parenting Plan is a written record of an agreement between parents about the care, welfare and development of their children. It must be signed and dated by both parents.

NB: You do not need to go to court to enter into a parenting plan. 

There is no required format for a parenting plan. Parents can agree on arrangements that suit their individual family circumstances, including where children live, time spent with each parent, school arrangements, holidays, communication and changeover arrangements.

A Parenting Plan can provide a practical and cooperative alternative to going to court to seek parenting orders. Reaching an agreement can often be less costly, less stressful and more flexible than court proceedings.

Importantly, a parenting plan is not a legally enforceable agreement in the same way as a parenting order made by a court. Parents are expected to comply with the arrangements they have agreed to, but a Parenting Plan itself does not carry the same legal enforceability as a court order.

Everyones circumstances can change.  Parenting Plans aren't a "set and forget " kind of document. As situations evolve, your terms and conditions need to keep pace.

Parents should consider obtaining independent legal advice before entering into a parenting plan, particularly where there are concerns about safety, family violence, or disagreement about the proposed arrangements.

Parenting Plans are dealt with under section 63C of the Family Law Act 1975.

Evidentiary Value

Courts still acknowledge parenting plans during future disputes.They act as evidence of past agreements.Judges assess what was reasonable at the time.

Summary 

A lower-cost administrative drafting service, not FDR. 

Used only when parents already agree 

Clearly separated from legal or mediation roles

CCCS Template available on request 

Fees Apply @ $85phr