Going through a separation or divorce can be a stressful and emotional time, especially when children are involved. One of the biggest challenges parents face is figuring out how to co-parent effectively while keeping their children’s needs at the forefront. That’s where a parenting plan comes in. A well-crafted parenting plan can help parents establish clear, practical arrangements for their children, providing stability and consistency during a time of change.
At Vollans Mediation, we often recommend creating a parenting plan during family mediation sessions. But what exactly is a parenting plan, and how does it work?
What is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a voluntary, written agreement between parents (and sometimes other family members, such as grandparents) that outlines how children will be cared for following a separation or divorce. The plan covers practical issues like:
- Living arrangements: Where the children will live and how much time they will spend with each parent.
- Education: Decisions about schooling, extracurricular activities, and parent-teacher communication.
- Healthcare: How medical decisions will be made, including routine appointments and emergency care.
- Holidays and special occasions: How time will be divided during holidays, birthdays, and other important events.
- Financial responsibilities: How costs related to the children’s upbringing will be shared.
The goal of a parenting plan is to create a clear and workable arrangement that prioritises the best interests of the child. It also helps parents resolve issues in a cooperative and informal way.
Creating a Parenting Plan in Mediation
If you are attending joint mediation with your ex-partner, your mediator may suggest that you both work together to create a parenting plan. Mediation provides a neutral space where parents can discuss their concerns and priorities, with the help of a mediator to facilitate the conversation.
During mediation, you and your co-parent will have the opportunity to think about how your children will be cared for in day-to-day life. The mediator can guide you through all the important aspects of parenting that need to be considered, from schooling and healthcare to routines and holidays. By addressing these issues together, you can avoid potential conflicts down the road and ensure that both parents are clear on their roles and responsibilities.
A key benefit of mediation is that it promotes open communication. Both parents are encouraged to express their views, and the mediator helps keep the conversation focused on finding solutions that work for everyone—especially the children.
How Does the Parenting Plan Process Work?
In most cases, the parenting plan is created collaboratively, with input from both parents. The Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) website offers an easy-to-use template for creating a parenting plan. The process typically works like this:
- One parent starts the plan: One parent can begin by completing their portion of the plan online, outlining their suggestions for arrangements such as living schedules, holidays, and other key issues.
- Sharing the plan: Once the initial draft is ready, the plan is sent to the other parent for review and feedback. Both parents will have the opportunity to make changes or suggest adjustments until they reach an agreement on most, or ideally all, aspects of the plan.
- Finalising the plan: After both parents agree on the terms, the parenting plan can be downloaded and shared with others if necessary. This could include your child, a family mediator, or even the court if you decide to take formal steps.
It’s important to note that a parenting plan is not legally binding. However, if both parties wish, the plan can be taken to a solicitor and formalised through a Consent Order, making it enforceable by law. Even if you don’t take this step, having a parenting plan in place shows a commitment to co-parenting in a structured and positive way, and it can be referred to if disagreements arise in the future.
If court proceedings do become necessary, judges and magistrates often expect parents to have attempted to create a parenting plan before coming to court. It demonstrates a willingness to cooperate and resolve disputes amicably.
Benefits of a Parenting Plan
Having a parenting plan in place can provide numerous benefits for both parents and children:
- Child-focused: A parenting plan helps parents focus on the needs and best interests of their children rather than getting caught up in personal disputes.
- Stability and security: Children thrive when they know what to expect. A parenting plan provides consistency, helping children feel safe and secure during a time of change.
- Clear expectations: Everyone involved—parents, children, and even extended family—knows what is expected of them, reducing the potential for misunderstandings.
- Better communication: Mediation encourages parents to work together and communicate openly, which can set the stage for better co-parenting in the long term.
- Reduced conflict: A clear plan helps to minimise future disputes by setting agreed boundaries and guidelines for important aspects of your child’s life.
Need Help Creating a Parenting Plan?
If you’re facing difficulties in creating a parenting plan or want to ensure you’re covering all the necessary aspects of co-parenting, family mediation can be a helpful tool. At Vollans Mediation, our experienced mediators can guide you through the process, helping you to reach an agreement that works for both parents and, most importantly, your children.
For more information on parenting plans or to book a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), contact us at 0113 213 3662 or email info@vollansmediation.co.uk.