Customisable template for documenting parenting arrangements after separation. In Australia, this is legally called a parenting plan.
⚠️ Important: Parenting Plans vs Parenting Orders
Parenting Plans are written agreements between parents but are NOT legally binding. Either parent can change their mind at any time.
For legally binding, enforceable arrangements, you need Parenting Orders (Consent Orders or Court Orders). We can help convert your parenting plan into binding orders.
1. Children Covered by This Plan
Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Full Name:
Date of Birth:
2. Where the Children Will Live
Primary Residence:
Children live primarily with [Parent Name]
Children live equal time with both parents (week-about/week-off)
Children live substantial time with both parents (e.g. 2-2-3 pattern)
Other arrangement:
Specific Schedule:
3. School Holiday Arrangements
Summer Holidays (December/January):
Easter Holidays:
Winter Holidays:
Other School Breaks:
4. Special Occasions & Public Holidays
Children’s Birthdays:
Mother’s Day:
Father’s Day:
Christmas Day:
New Year’s Eve/Day:
Easter:
Parent Birthdays:
Other Special Days:
5. Communication Between Parents
Primary Communication Method:
Phone
Email
SMS
Co-parenting App
Other
Communication About Routine Matters:
Communication About Urgent Matters:
Response Timeframe:
6. Decision-Making Authority
Major long-term decisions about children (education, health, religion, name changes):
Both parents must agree jointly before making
Parent [Name] makes final decisions after consultation
Other:
Day-to-day decisions while children are in each parent’s care:
Each parent decides independently during their time
Other:
7. Handover Arrangements
Weekday Handovers:
Location:
Time:
Who transports:
Weekend Handovers:
Location:
Time:
Who transports:
Special Notes:
8. Education & Extracurricular Activities
School:
Both parents receive school reports/newsletters:
Yes
No
Who attends parent-teacher interviews:
Both
Alternating
Parent Name
Extracurricular Activities:
Activity:Days/Times:Cost sharing:
Activity:Days/Times:Cost sharing:
Who transports to activities:
9. Health & Medical Care
Doctor/GP:
Dentist:
Medicare card held by:
Both parents
Parent Name
Both parents informed of medical appointments:
Yes
No
Who attends routine medical appointments:
Both
Alternating
Parent Name
Medical costs:
Split 50/50
Shared proportionate to income
Other
10. Financial Support for Children
Child Support:
Paid through Services Australia Child Support Agency
Private arrangement: $ per week/fortnight/month
Other:
How Expenses Are Shared:
School costs:
50/50
Proportionate to income
Paid by Parent Name
Medical costs:
50/50
Proportionate to income
Paid by Parent Name
Activities:
50/50
Proportionate to income
Paid by Parent Name
Other agreed expenses:
11. Dispute Resolution
If we disagree about arrangements or have concerns, we agree to:
- Discuss directly and attempt to resolve ourselves
- Use a family dispute resolution mediator or accredited mediator
- Seek legal advice if resolution unsuccessful
- Apply to Family Court only as last resort
12. Changing This Plan
We agree that this parenting plan can be changed:
By agreement between both parents in writing
With 14 days written notice
Other:
Agreement & Signatures
We agree to follow this parenting plan in the best interests of our children. We understand this plan is not legally binding and either of us can change our mind at any time. To make arrangements legally binding, we would need to obtain Consent Orders or a Court Order.
Parent 1:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Parent 2:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Want to Make This Legally Binding?
To convert your parenting plan into legally enforceable Consent Orders (court-approved parenting orders), contact Clear Path Family Law. We prepare consent orders for Sunshine Coast families who’ve reached agreement on parenting arrangements.
Speak With A Family Lawyer Sunshine Coast
If you are looking for compassionate and practical family law guidance on the Sunshine Coast, Clear Path Family Law is here to help.
We understand that taking the first step can feel difficult, which is why we focus on creating a supportive and welcoming environment for every client.