What to Include in a Parenting Plan

November 20th, 2024
Posted By
Sarah M. Litowich
Young family managing budget and paying bills and taxes.
If you and your spouse are divorcing or you’re separating from your partner, a parenting plan will need to be put into place if you share a child together. This is a written document that outlines how your child will split their time, who will care for them on a daily basis, and how decisions will be made about their health, welfare, and education. When creating a parenting plan that will be in the best interests of your child, it’s essential to ensure it is specifically tailored to meet your family’s needs — and includes some vital provisions to help avoid disputes before they can occur. Here are several important things to be sure to include in your parenting plan:

The Parenting Time Schedule

A parenting plan must include a parenting time schedule. This outlines the time each parent spends with the child and the responsibilities they share in raising them. A parenting time schedule should take a variety of factors into consideration, including the child’s age and developmental needs, each parent’s work schedule, the distance between each parent’s home, the child’s school schedule, and extracurricular activities. Depending on the circumstances of the family, some examples of a parenting time schedule can include the following:
  • Alternating weeks
  • Alternating weekends
  • Two weeks each
  • Every extended weekend
  • 3-4-4-3 schedule
  • 2-2-3 schedule
  • 2-2-5-5 schedule
In addition, information about the custody exchanges and the location they will take place should be documented in the parenting plan.

Holidays, Birthdays, and Special Events

The time-sharing for holidays, birthdays, and special events should be specifically outlined in this plan. These days are separate from the regular parenting schedule and should be documented to prevent any conflicts. Parents might alternate holidays each year or create a separate schedule around school breaks that coincide with holidays. If parents live close enough to each other, it may be possible to split the day of the holiday between them.

Education and Extracurricular Activities

When parents share legal custody, they will need to work together to make decisions regarding their child’s education. A well-drafted parenting plan should include not only where the child will attend school, but also how the parents will communicate regarding education matters, who will attend parent-teacher conferences, and how decisions regarding extracurricular activities will be made. It should also include details about how homework will be monitored, who will pick up and drop off the child from school, and who will serve as the child’s emergency contact.

Communication

Whether parents are amicable or not, it’s a good idea to include a provision for communication in a parenting plan. Parents should determine their preferred methods of contact, the etiquette for their communication, and the topics of communication. Additionally, the plan should outline methods of contact between the child and the parent who they are not currently with to ensure they are able to build a meaningful relationship.

Transportation Arrangements

It’s crucial to include a provision for who will pick the child up from school and their after-school activities — and specify how the child will be transported to and from each parent’s home for parenting time. If parents live a distance from each other and plane or train travel is required, details and logistics should be included in the parenting plan about the mode of transportation and who will accompany the child.

Medical Matters

Parents should reach an agreement on how they would respond in a medical emergency, including who to contact, and how immediate decisions would be made. It should also specify how parents will share health information about the child, who will attend medical appointments, and whether the child will receive vaccines that are not required by law.

Each Parent’s Financial Responsibilities

While child support will cover a child’s basic needs, there are many other expenses that co-parents may share. Parents can include expenses for things like entertainment, personal care, unreimbursed medical bills, and other costs that are not addressed as part of child support in their parenting plan. This can help ensure both parents are on the same page when it comes to child raising costs — and conflict can be avoided.

Technology and Screen Time

Parents should set rules and restrictions for the use of technology and screen time that are consistent in each household and document them in the parenting plan. Parents may also address who will pay for the child’s cellphone, tablet, and computer — as well as the expenses associated with any repair.

How Changes Can Be Made to the Parenting Plan in the Future

A parenting plan doesn’t have to be set in stone. As the child grows and their needs change, it may be necessary to modify the agreement that was put into place. The document should include a modification clause that specifies the circumstances under which the plan can be modified and the protocol for doing so. Consider including a provision for mediation to avoid resorting to litigation in the courtroom.

Contact an Experienced Oregon Family Law Attorney

Creating a parenting plan can be overwhelming and complex. It’s best to have a knowledgeable family law attorney on your side who can advise you and ensure the best interests of your children are met. Litowich Law provides reliable representation and compassionate counsel for a wide variety of family law matters, including those involving child custody and creating parenting plans. We encourage you to contact us for a consultation to learn how we can help. Based in Salem, we assist clients throughout the State of Oregon.
Categories: Child Custody, Divorce