Self-help templates
Parenting Plan (Custody and Contact Agreement)
For parents who live apart: where the child lives, time with each parent, holidays, child support, travel, and what happens if you disagree.
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How to use it
- When: parents who live apart (married, divorced or never married) agree where their child lives, how much time the child spends with each parent, and how costs are shared.
- Who signs: both parents. Each keeps a signed copy. A court or authority may need to approve it, and a child old enough may be asked for their views.
- Fill in everything in [square brackets] and cross out options that do not apply. Use clear dates and times so there is no argument later.
- Put the child first: think about school, friends, routines, health and the child's age. A plan that suits the child is more likely to work and to be approved.
- Keep it workable: a simple plan that both parents can follow is better than a detailed plan that breaks down.
- Tip: review the plan as the child grows. Keep a record of agreed changes in writing.
What is inside
- Art. 1. The parents
- Art. 2. The child or children
- Art. 3. Parental responsibility and major decisions
- Art. 4. Where the child lives
- Art. 5. Time with each parent
- Art. 6. Holidays and special days
- Art. 7. Handover and transport
- Art. 8. Child support and expenses
- Art. 9. Communication, passports and travel
- Art. 10. Disagreements and changes
- Art. 11. Law, approval and declaration
- Notes on the clauses and a checklist of what to check under your country's law
What these templates are not
- They are self-help templates, not legal advice, and they do not replace a lawyer.
- Laws differ from country to country, and some rules cannot be changed by contract. Each template ends with a checklist of what to check where you live.
- For a high-value or unusual situation, ask a local lawyer or notary to look at the final text.
TheLawToKnow Tools. Self-help template. Not legal advice. Check the law currently in force. Written with the help of AI tools and reviewed by a lawyer-author.