Parenting Arrangements
Separation can be a stressful and difficult time, especially when children are involved.
A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that cover practical issues of parental responsibility including:
- Day-to-day care arrangements
- Change over locations
- Arrangements for special days, e.g. birthdays, Christmas, Easter
- School, pre-school and after-school arrangements, including school holidays
- Sporting and other activities
- Time with extended family
- Health/medical arrangements
- Financial support (if needed) above any child support payments
- Ongoing communication between parents, including a process of resolving disputes and changing the plan
The plan can take various forms but to be recognised under the Family Law Act 1975 it must be made free from any threat, duress or coercion. It must be in writing, signed and dated by both parents.
Interim Parenting Plans can also be put in place as couples go through the separation process, with a final plan agreed upon at a time when other issues or concerns have been resolved.
More Information?
For more information, you can call us on 1300 543 396 or email contact@relationshipmatters.com.au to discuss your situation in more detail.