Parenting plans: writing down arrangements for your children

What a parenting plan is

A parenting plan sets out in writing what you and the other parent have agreed about your children. GOV.UK calls it a child arrangements plan. Cafcass now calls its version Our Child's Plan.

You do not have to do any official paperwork if you agree about child arrangements. A plan simply gives you both a record to refer back to.

Practice Direction 12B describes a parenting plan as a useful tool for separated parents. It says a plan can also be a starting point for talking about a disagreement.

What a plan usually covers

Practice Direction 12B says a plan should cover all practical parts of caring for the child. Cafcass's Our Child's Plan prompts you to think about these topics.

1. Living arrangements: where the children live and when they spend time with each parent.
2. Time with other family members, such as grandparents.
3. School holidays, birthdays and special occasions.
4. Education and school decisions.
5. Health care, including routine appointments.
6. How you will communicate with each other and deal with differences.
7. Money, such as who pays for what.
8. Religion, emotional well-being and everyday house rules.

Ways to make a plan

Cafcass's Our Child's Plan is free. You can complete it online with the other parent. There is also a Word version if you cannot or do not want to use the online tool.

GOV.UK has its own online child arrangements plan service. It creates a document you can share with the other parent for their agreement and suggestions. GOV.UK also has a PDF template you can fill in.

GOV.UK says not to use its service if you already have a court order setting out child arrangements. In that case you would look at changing or enforcing the order instead.

Getting help to agree

If you cannot agree a plan between you, a family mediator can help. Mediation is voluntary and the mediator does not take sides. You usually attend a first meeting called a MIAM before mediation starts.

A voucher worth up to £500 may help with the cost of mediation sessions about children. The guide to preparing for mediation explains how it works.

GOV.UK says not to use its plan service if you feel pressured or intimidated. Practice Direction 12B says victims of domestic abuse are not expected to mediate. If you or your children are at immediate risk, call 999.

A plan is not legally binding on its own

GOV.UK says a plan made with its service is not legally binding. The other parent does not have to do what it says. Either of you can suggest changes at any time.

You can update a plan as your children's needs change. On the GOV.UK service you create a new plan to make changes.

Turning an agreement into a consent order

If you both want your agreement to be legally binding, you can ask the court to make a consent order. GOV.UK says a legal adviser can prepare a draft consent order. You both sign the draft.

One of you then applies to the court on form C100 and sends the draft consent order with it. Keep a copy of both. You do not need to attend a MIAM before applying for a consent order.

GOV.UK says it costs £270 to apply for a court order. You may get help with fees if you are on benefits or a low income.

There is usually no hearing. A judge approves the order if they think the arrangements are best for your children. If not, they can arrange a hearing or ask for more evidence. Practice Direction 12B says orders made by consent must still be checked for safety.

If there is already a court case

If you have already prepared a parenting plan, Practice Direction 12B says it must be attached to your C100.

If you reach agreement during a case, the court can make a consent order at a hearing. If a case is already running and you agree, the C2 form can ask the court to approve your consent order. GOV.UK lists that fee as £62.

The court may also direct you to Planning Together for Children. Its third stage is Our Child's Plan.

Key dates

1. When you apply on a C100Attach any parenting plan you have already prepared.Source: PD12B para 8.6 (also PD12B (Pilot) para 8.6) ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
2. After the court receives a consent order applicationThere is usually no hearing. A judge approves the order or asks for a hearing or more evidence.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)