Children's plan
A plan for each of your children
Plan together only if it's safe. If there's been domestic abuse or you're worried about a child's safety, get advice before discussing a plan. Get support.
A parenting plan puts pickups, time together and holidays in writing. It helps you and the other parent agree how you will stay involved in each child's day-to-day life.
Private to this device. Your draft is saved in this browser. Fathers Voice doesn't receive or store your answers. You can clear the draft at any time.
Start with your children
Add what each child enjoys, what helps them settle between homes and what they say matters to them.
Work through the topics
Cover communication, time in each home, school, holidays and any other topics that apply. Use separate answers where children need different arrangements.
Share a draft
Download one document for Word or Google Docs. Discuss what works, what needs agreement and when you will review it.
Tips before you start
Keep your child at the centre
Write it about what each child needs, not what's fair between the adults. Cafcass suggests writing it as if your child might read it.
Only promise what you can keep
If your work pattern changes, say so. A plan you stick to beats a perfect one you can't.
Be specific where it matters
"Alternate weekends, Friday after school to Sunday 6pm" works. "More time" doesn't.
Keep small stuff out
Leave out day-to-day rules that change all the time. Focus on what matters to each child.
Send it as a draft
Go back and forth until you both agree. Expect changes, and don't take them personally.
Plan to review it
Children grow and needs change. Agree when you'll look at it again.
Share it as a draft. A parenting plan is an informal agreement. Read Cafcass advice or the Parenting Apart guide.