Parenting Plan - Template Form to Fill out Word and PDF

PARENTING PLAN

(1) BACKGROUND

This Parenting Plan Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on ________, between the following parents ("Parents"):

________
Address: ________

And:

________
Address: ________

(2) PREVIOUS PARENTING PLAN

This Agreement replaces the previous Parenting Plan dated ________.

(3) THE CHILD

(a) This Agreement relates to the following child ("Child"): ________, male, born ________.

(b) The Parents confirm that ________ is the parent of ________.

(c) The Parents confirm that ________ is the parent of ________.

(4) BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD

The Parents agree to work together in the best interests of the Child.

(5) LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

(a) The Parents agree to the following general living arrangements for the Child ("Living Arrangements"):

During the school term

________

During school holidays

________

Other holidays, events and special occasions

________

(b) For any handover that occurs outside of school hours, the Parent that is handing over the Child will deliver the Child to the other Parent's house.

(c) On any school days, or days of any other events (such as excursions or sports days), if the Child wakes up at a Parent's house, then that Parent will be responsible for organising the Child's lunch for the day.

(6) CHANGES OF PLANS

(a) Either Parent may change the usual Living Arrangements as set out in this Agreement up to 4 (four) times per year, provided that:

(I) The Parent provides at least 2 (two) weeks' notice to the other Parent.

(II) The relevant change does not include Christmas, the Child's birthday, or other similar special occasions, unless otherwise agreed by both Parents.

(III) The relevant change does not create a block of time exceeding 10 (ten) nights during summer school holidays, or 5 (five) nights during any other school holidays, unless otherwise agreed by both Parents.

(b) Despite the limitations set out in this clause, if both Parents agree, then they may change the usual Living Arrangements however they like.

(7) EDUCATION AND HOMEWORK

The Parents agree to the following arrangements in relation to the Child's education:

________

(8) DIET AND NUTRITION

The Parents agree to the following arrangements in relation to the Child's diet and nutrition:

________

(9) POCKET MONEY

The Parents agree to the following arrangements in relation to the Child's pocket money:

________

(10) CHORES

The Parents agree to the following arrangements in relation to the Child's chores:

________

(11) LIVING COSTS

The Parents agree to the following arrangements in relation to the Child's living costs:

________

(12) EXTENDED FAMILY

The Parents agree to the following arrangements to ensure that the Child can stay in contact with their extended family:

________

(13) CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Parents agree to the following arrangements in relation to the Child's co-curricular activities:

________

(14) COMMUNICATION WITH THE CHILD

The Parents agree to the following arrangements to ensure that they can both stay in contact with the Child, when they are staying with the other Parent:

________

(15) COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS

(a) The Parents acknowledge that raising a Child is a team effort and that they need to communicate and work together in order to achieve the best outcomes for the Child.

(b) The Parents acknowledge that it is in the Child's best interests to have both Parents setting a positive example in their life.

(c) The Parents agree that they should avoid speaking negatively about each other in front of the Child.

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(e) The Parents agree that if they have a disagreement with the other Parent, they should raise this directly with the other Parent and should not involve the Child in the disagreement.

(f) The Parents will aim to respond to any attempted contact from the other Parent within 48 (forty eight) hours, except where reasonable or exceptional circumstances prevent them from doing so.

(g) The Parents agree to be in contact, either by phone or in person, at least every 2 (two) months, to discuss the Child.

(h) The Parents agree to notify the other parent as soon as possible if there is any change in their contact details.

(16) PRESENTS

The Parents agree to the following arrangements in relation to presents for the Child.

________

(17) DECISION MAKING

(a) The Parents agree that any important decisions about the child's care, development, future plans, or day-to-day life must be made jointly and cannot be made by one Parent alone. These may include, but are not limited to decisions relating to:

(I) Changing the child's school or major school subjects;

(II) Tertiary education, including university or TAFE applications, enrolment, or deferral;

(III) Enrolling in or withdrawing from sports teams or other co-curricular or extra-curricular activities;

(IV) Applying for or renewing a passport;

(V) Travelling interstate or overseas;

(VI) Tattoos, piercings, or other body modifications;

(VII) The child/children's long-term medical or dental care;

(VIII) Changes to the child/children's religious or cultural upbringing.

(b) If either Parent is unsure whether a decision requires joint agreement under the preceding clause, they should err on the side of caution and discuss it with the other Parent before acting.

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(d) The Parents agree that if they cannot agree on any matter relating to the Child, they will attend mediation.

(18) VARIATION AND REVIEW

(a) The Parents agree that this Agreement may be varied at any time by mutual agreement, provided that any variation is recorded in writing and signed and dated by both Parents.

(b) The Parents agree to review this Agreement periodically, and at least once every 12 (twelve) months, to ensure that it continues to reflect the best interests of the Child and the circumstances of the Parents.

(c) The Parents acknowledge that the needs of the Child will change over time, and that they will approach any review or variation of this Agreement with flexibility and in good faith.

(d) The Parents acknowledge that this Parenting Plan is not a legally enforceable agreement and is not a parenting order made by a court. It is a written record of the arrangements that the Parents have agreed upon in relation to the care of the Child.

(e) The Parents acknowledge that this Agreement has been entered into freely and voluntarily, without any duress, coercion, or undue influence, and that they have each had the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice before signing.

(f) The Parents agree that, where a court is required to consider this Parenting Plan, the court may have regard to the terms of this Agreement to the extent permitted under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

(g) This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parents in relation to the parenting arrangements for the Child and replaces any prior parenting plans or arrangements between them.

Signed by the Parents this ________.

Signed by ________:

____________________________________
________

Signed by ________:

____________________________________
________