How to Create a Parenting Plan
July 17, 2026 · 1 min read · Updated July 10, 2026
A parenting plan is the roadmap for raising your kids across two homes. Here's what to include so it actually works.
In this article
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A parenting plan is the written agreement that spells out how you'll share raising your children after divorce. A good one prevents countless future arguments by deciding things in advance.
The schedule
Start with where the children live and when: the regular weekly rhythm, plus how you'll handle holidays, birthdays, school breaks, and summers. Be specific about pickup and drop-off times and places so there's no weekly negotiation.
Decision-making
Decide how you'll make the big calls, school, medical care, religion, activities. Many parents share these decisions even when the kids live mainly with one of them. Note how you'll handle disagreements, such as agreeing to talk first before either of you acts.
The practical details
Cover transportation, how you'll communicate about the kids, how you'll introduce changes to the schedule, and what happens with travel or relocation. The more everyday situations you address now, the fewer conflicts you'll have later.
Courts want to see that a plan serves the child's best interests. When you and your co-parent agree on a clear, workable plan, judges almost always approve it, and your kids get the stability of knowing what to expect.
