Creating a Parenting Plan for Divorce

If you have children, it is critical that you think through and document how you and your ex-spouse will handle certain situations related to the children after the divorce.  In some states, a parenting plan is required and in others, the parenting plan is optional. We highly recommend that it be part of your official divorce papers that are entered into the court records. 

What a Parenting Plan Covers 

A parenting plan covers items such as:

• Stating which parent(s) make recreational / extracurricular activity decisions for the children.
• Stating that both parents must support those activities during their times of placement (transporting to games, plays, classes, etc.).
• Stating which parent(s) make educational and child care decisions for the child.
• Stating which parent must insure the child.
• Stating that both parents have access to medical and educational records related to the child.
• Stating which parent(s) are responsible for medical decisions related to the child.
• Describing logistics of drop-offs and pick-up.  Where, when, who transports?
• Stating whether the children will pack bags of clothes for visits or if both parents must provide the clothing during their times of placement.
• Guidelines around who the children stay with during summer and school vacations.
• Stating how vacations will work.  How many days are allowed?  How much notice is required to the other parent?
• Description of how holidays will be handled.  Includes holidays such as Father’s day, Mother’s day, birthdays.
• Laying out who pays for travel for the children.  If one parent lives far away, how will the children be transported?
• Statements around keeping the children out of arguments, not bad-mouthing the other parent, and generally considering the child’s best interest first.
• Statements restricting use of any illegal substances.
• Etc.

Parenting After Divorce Class

In addition to a Parenting Plan, some states require a certified Parenting After Divorce class which will highlight issues specific to parents, such as communicating about the children, shielding the children from difficult situations, avoiding poisoning the children against the other parent, and other similar issues.