Separation can be emotionally draining, especially when children are involved.
But while relationships end, parenting continues, and creating a clear, structured parenting plan helps avoid confusion, conflict, and stress for everyone.
A good parenting plan sets out how you’ll share responsibility, time, and decisions about your child’s care, providing stability and reassurance during change.
This guide explains what to include in your plan, how to keep it child-focused, and when to formalise it through the Family Court.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that outlines how they will raise their child after separation.
It’s not automatically legally binding, but it provides clarity and structure, and can later be turned into a Child Arrangements Order if needed.
Key Point: The best parenting plans focus on what’s best for the child, not what feels “fair” to each parent.
Why a Parenting Plan Matters
A clear plan helps by:
- Reducing arguments and uncertainty.
- Helping children feel secure and understood.
- Clarifying expectations around contact and routines.
- Showing the Family Court (if needed) that both parents are responsible and cooperative.
It’s also a strong signal to social services or CAFCASS that you’re child-focused and proactive in managing family arrangements.
What to Include in Your Parenting Plan
Every family is different, but a strong plan typically covers:
A. Living Arrangements
- Where the child will live and how time will be shared.
- Term-time vs. holiday schedules.
- How changes or swaps will be managed.
B. Education
- School choices and parental involvement.
- How school events, homework, and communication will be handled.
C. Health and Medical Decisions
- GP, dentist, and hospital details.
- How medical information and emergencies will be shared.
D. Communication Between Parents
- Preferred methods (e.g., email, text, parenting app).
- Response times and boundaries for contact.
E. Financial Responsibilities
- Child maintenance arrangements.
- How other expenses (school trips, uniforms, birthdays) will be handled.
F. Extended Family and Social Activities
- How contact with grandparents, cousins, and friends will be supported.
G. Religion, Culture, and Values
- Agreements about faith practices or cultural events.
H. Future Review and Flexibility
- How and when the plan will be reviewed (e.g., every 6 or 12 months).
Legal Note: Parenting plans can evolve; what works for a 5-year-old may not suit a 12-year-old. Build in flexibility.
How to Make the Plan Work in Practice
- Be Realistic: Agree on what’s practical for both parents’ work patterns and travel.
- Stay Consistent: Children thrive on predictable routines.
- Keep Communication Calm: Use neutral language and stick to logistics, not emotions.
- Focus on the Child: Every decision should be guided by their wellbeing, not by parental convenience.
- Use Technology Wisely: Apps like “Our Family Wizard” or “2Houses” help manage schedules and communication transparently.
Tip: Writing the plan together shows the court (if it ever comes to that) that you’re cooperative and responsible.
Making It Legally Binding
While parenting plans are informal, they can be approved by the Family Court as part of a Child Arrangements Order if needed.
This is useful when:
- There’s ongoing conflict or disagreement.
- One parent fails to follow the plan.
- Schools or professionals require formal confirmation of living arrangements.
Your solicitor can draft or adapt the plan into a court-ready format and apply for approval on your behalf.
Key Difference: A parenting plan is flexible and private; a Child Arrangements Order is enforceable by law.
What Happens If Parents Can’t Agree?
If you can’t agree on parts of the plan:
- Try family mediation first; it’s faster and less stressful than court.
- If mediation fails, your solicitor can apply to the Family Court for a decision.
- The court will consider the welfare checklist (Section 1(3) of the Children Act 1989) to decide what’s best for the child.
Note: The court prefers parents to reach agreements themselves, but will step in if cooperation breaks down or the child’s welfare is at risk.
Example Parenting Plan Outline
| Topic | Example Agreement |
|---|---|
| Living Arrangements | Child lives primarily with Mother, alternate weekends and one evening midweek with Father. |
| Holidays | Half of school holidays shared equally, alternating Christmas and birthdays. |
| Education | Both parents to attend parent evenings; school reports shared via email. |
| Health | Both parents informed of GP appointments; either may consent to routine care. |
| Communication | Text or WhatsApp for logistics only; calls limited to agreed hours. |
| Review | Plan to be reviewed annually or if significant changes occur. |
How a Solicitor Can Help
A family solicitor can:
- Draft a clear, child-focused plan that avoids ambiguity.
- Advise on legal enforceability and fairness.
- Liaise with the other parent’s solicitor to negotiate calmly.
- Convert the agreement into a Child Arrangements Order if required.
At ASA Solicitors, we focus on reducing conflict, promoting cooperation, and protecting children’s stability through clear, practical agreements.
A parenting plan is one of the most effective tools for maintaining structure and harmony after separation.
It shows your child that both parents are committed to their happiness and stability; even when living apart.
With professional support, you can create a fair, flexible, and lasting plan that works for everyone involved.
If you’re recently separated and need help creating or formalising a parenting plan, our experienced family solicitors can help.
We’ll ensure your agreement is practical, child-centred, and legally sound, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Call ASA Solicitors on 01274 900 400
Email info@asa.co.uk
FAQs
What is a parenting plan after separation?
A parenting plan is a written agreement between separated parents that outlines how they will share parenting responsibilities, including living arrangements, contact, education, health decisions, and communication.
Is a parenting plan legally binding in the UK?
No, a parenting plan is not legally binding on its own. However, it can be formalised into a Child Arrangements Order by the Family Court if needed, making it enforceable by law
What should I include in a parenting plan?
Include details on living arrangements, school schedules, holidays, healthcare decisions, child maintenance, communication between parents, and a review process. Always focus on what is best for the child’s welfare.
What if we can’t agree on a parenting plan?
Start with family mediation to try reaching an agreement. If that fails, a family solicitor can help apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order to resolve disputes.
Can a solicitor help me draft a parenting plan?
Yes. ASA Solicitors can draft a clear, fair, and child-focused parenting plan, advise on legal enforceability, and apply to the court to formalise the agreement if necessary.
