Parenting Plans
A parenting plan explains how parents will share time, responsibilities, and major decisions after separation. This section of the site helps you understand what a parenting plan includes, how to create one, and how to modify it as your child’s needs change. Whether parents agree or need court involvement, clear and detailed plans support stability and reduce conflict.
Child Support and Insurance In Parenting Plans
Many parenting plans created through mediation or agreement include child support amounts, medical insurance responsibilities, and how parents will divide out-of-pocket expenses. While courts often issue a separate child support order, parents commonly include these financial expectations in the same document so everything is clear and easy to follow.
Including support and insurance details in the parenting plan can help prevent misunderstandings, reduce conflict, and ensure both parents understand their responsibilities. Whether these financial terms appear inside the plan or in a separate order, the most important goal is clarity and consistency for the child.
Parenting Plans in Your State
Your state’s laws determine what a parenting plan must include and how courts evaluate them. Start here if you want to understand your state’s expectations, requirements, and parenting time guidelines.
Creating a Parenting Plan
Learn how to build a clear, detailed parenting plan that reflects your child’s needs and reduces future conflict. This section breaks down schedules, decision-making, communication rules, and practical tools for getting your plan right the first time.
Modifying a Parenting Plan
How time-sharing schedules are structured, including overnights, transitions, school-week routines, and what courts consider when dividing parenting time.
Parenting Plan Tools and Template
If you're ready to start building your parenting plan, visit the Parenting Toolkit. It includes a customizable parenting plan template, schedule options, communication guidelines, and practical worksheets to help you create a plan that fits your child’s needs.
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