What’s the point of a Parenting Plan?
In our work as family law solicitors, we are finding that Parenting Plans are being used more and more so that separating parents can set out in writing the agreement they have reached about how their children’s time will be divided between their respective homes.
It is important for clients to think about parenting commitments and practical arrangements for their children early on in their separation. Devising a Parenting Plan provides an opportunity for the separating couple to think about what is important for their family and what will work for them. It is important for them to be realistic about how life will work ‘on the ground’ and how the logistics will pan out.
Creating a mindset of co-parenting and promoting good levels of communication between the parents about their children is pivotal in keeping acrimony to a minimum and in adopting a forward-looking approach.
A Parenting Plan is not legally binding but if litigation were to unfold in the future, the written Parenting Plan will be very good evidence of what the parents intended at the time it was entered into. The court or an arbitrator is also very likely to endorse the Parenting Plan provided it is sensible and meets the needs of the children.
One trap some clients fall into is making the Parenting Plan too detailed. Whilst there is some benefit in having thought everything through and having a sufficient level of detail, if the plan is too restrictive or lacks flexibility, it is more likely to fail or have to be completely re-written as the children grow older and their requirements change.
If you would like advice on preparing a Parenting Plan please contact us.