If you share children with your spouse, one of the most important parts of your divorce will be your parenting plan.
A parenting plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities after separation or divorce. It can include decisions about custody schedules, holidays, school choices, medical decisions, communication rules, and how parents will resolve disagreements.
Many courts require parenting plans as part of the divorce process. But even when they are not required, having one can make co-parenting far easier.
A parenting plan worksheet helps parents organize these decisions before drafting the final agreement.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a written agreement that explains how parents will raise their children after divorce or separation.
The plan typically addresses:
- parenting schedules
- holidays and school breaks
- decision-making authority
- communication between parents
- transportation responsibilities
- procedures for resolving disagreements
The goal is to create clarity so both parents understand expectations and children have stability.
Create your parenting plan today!
Download our Parenting Plan Worksheet to get a head start on co-parenting.
Why a Parenting Plan Worksheet Helps
Many parents assume they can “figure it out later.” Unfortunately, unclear expectations often lead to conflict.
A worksheet helps parents think through the details early, including situations that may not come up every day but still matter—like vacations, extracurricular activities, or schedule changes.
Working through these questions before drafting a formal agreement can reduce misunderstandings and help parents focus on what is best for their children.
1. Parenting schedules
A parenting plan usually begins with the regular weekly schedule.
The worksheet helps parents think through:
- where children will live during the week
- weekend parenting time
- transitions between homes
- transportation responsibilities
Some families choose equal parenting schedules, while others create arrangements based on work schedules, school locations, or children’s needs.
2. Holidays and school breaks
Holidays and school vacations often require special schedules.
Parents may rotate holidays each year or divide them between households.
Common holidays addressed in parenting plans include:
- major national holidays
- religious holidays
- birthdays
- school vacations and summer break
Planning ahead can prevent last-minute disputes when important dates arrive.
3. Decision-making authority
Parenting plans often address how parents will make major decisions affecting their children.
These may include:
- medical care
- education
- religious upbringing
- extracurricular activities
- travel decisions
Some parents share decision-making responsibility, while others designate one parent to make certain decisions.
4. Communication and information sharing
Clear communication expectations can make co-parenting smoother.
A parenting plan may include:
- how parents will communicate with each other
- how parents will communicate with children while they are with the other parent
- expectations about sharing school or medical information
Setting these expectations early can help reduce tension between parents.
5. Transportation and exchanges
Many parenting plans include practical details about how children will move between homes.
The worksheet helps parents decide:
- where exchanges will take place
- which parent is responsible for transportation
- how schedule changes will be handled
These details may seem small but often make day-to-day co-parenting much easier.
6. Handling disagreements
Even strong parenting plans cannot anticipate every situation.
That is why many plans include procedures for resolving disputes, such as:
- mediation before going to court
- consulting a parenting coordinator
- discussing issues within a set timeframe
Including a process for resolving disagreements can help parents avoid unnecessary legal conflict.
Download the Parenting Plan Worksheet
Creating a parenting plan can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into smaller decisions makes it manageable.
Our Parenting Plan Worksheet walks you through the key questions parents often need to answer when building a co-parenting plan.
Download the worksheet to organize parenting schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and communication expectations before finalizing your parenting agreement.
FAQs
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines how parents will share responsibilities for raising their children after separation or divorce.
What should a parenting plan include?
Most parenting plans include parenting schedules, holiday schedules, decision-making authority, communication rules, transportation arrangements, and procedures for resolving disputes.
Are parenting plans required in divorce?
Many courts require parenting plans when divorcing parents share children. Even when they are not required, they can help create structure and reduce conflict.
Can parents create their own parenting plan?
Yes. Many parents create parenting plans together through negotiation or mediation before submitting them to the court.
What happens if parents disagree about the parenting plan?
If parents cannot reach an agreement, a judge may decide custody and parenting arrangements based on the best interests of the child.
Can parenting plans be changed later?
Yes. Parenting plans can often be modified if circumstances change significantly, such as relocation, schedule changes, or evolving needs of the child.
Step-by-Step: How to Build a Parenting Plan
Step 1: Start with the regular weekly schedule
Decide where the children will live during the week and how weekends will be shared.
Step 2: Plan holidays and school breaks
Create a schedule for major holidays, vacations, and birthdays.
Step 3: Decide how major decisions will be made
Discuss who will make decisions about education, health care, and other important issues.
Step 4: Set communication expectations
Agree on how parents will communicate and how information about the children will be shared.
Step 5: Plan transportation and exchanges
Determine where exchanges will happen and which parent will handle transportation.
Step 6: Create a process for resolving disagreements
Consider mediation or other methods to address disputes before turning to court.
