Negotiating a Parenting Plan

Separation can be distressing for everyone involved especially children. During this challenging time children need support, love and contact with both of their parents and other significant people, such as grandparents. Some certainty for the future is also important for everyone.
The family law system encourages separating parents to work out arrangements for children between themselves without going to court. One way parents can set out the arrangements they wish to put into place for their children is to make a parenting plan.

What can be included in a Parenting Plan?

A Parenting Plan is composed of anything that is relevant to the care of the child. For example – their day-to-day care arrangements and how significant decisions are to be made, as well as the overall responsibilities of each parent. The plan may also include other parties and their involvement with the children, for example a stepparent or grandparent.

It can include arrangements such as:

• With whom the child will live.
• How much time the child will spend with each parent, and sometimes with other important people in their lives, for example grandparents.
• Who is responsible for what (for example payment of school fees, transporting children to and from school each day).
• How a child will communicate with the important people in their lives, for example the parent they are not living with, relatives, close friends.
• Any other things to ensure the care, welfare or development of the child.

Best Interest of the Children
When you make decisions about your children, their needs must come first and the most important thing for you to consider is what is best for your children. Children have the right to know both their parents and the right to be protected from harm. However, the safety of your children must come first when considering your children’s best interest. These are important things to think about. Other things you might want to think about include any views the children have expressed, the children’s relationship with both of their parents and other people significant to them (such as their grandparents) and any practical difficulties.

If you would like to find out more about parenting plans and arrangements or your rights and options, Straits Lawyers are here to help. Simply send us an email at info@straitslawyers.com or give us a call on 8410 9069 to arrange an appointment for an interview.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and Straits Lawyers will not be legally responsible for any actions you take based on this article.