Free Parenting Plan Template

This Parenting Plan (this "Plan") is entered into and effective as of ________________ between ________________ ("Parent A") and ________________ ("Parent B"), who are the parents of the child or children named below.

1. PARENTS AND CHILDREN. This Plan is made between ________________ and ________________ regarding the care of their child or children: ________________. Both parents agree to act in the best interests of the children, to support a loving and continuing relationship between the children and each parent, and not to speak badly of the other parent in front of the children.

2. LEGAL CUSTODY AND DECISION-MAKING. Legal custody is as follows: ________________. Major decisions about the children's education, non-emergency healthcare, and religious upbringing shall be made as provided by that custody arrangement. Where legal custody is joint, the parents shall confer in good faith and try to reach agreement before a major decision is made, and either parent may make routine daily decisions while the children are in that parent's care.

3. PHYSICAL CUSTODY AND RESIDENCE. Physical custody is as follows: ________________. Each parent shall provide a safe and stable home for the children during that parent's parenting time and shall keep the other parent informed of the children's address and any extended absence.

4. REGULAR PARENTING TIME. The regular schedule for the children's time with each parent is: ________________. The parents may agree in writing to changes to the regular schedule, and a temporary change does not alter the schedule going forward unless both parents agree.

5. HOLIDAYS, BREAKS, AND VACATIONS. Holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are shared as follows: ________________. The holiday and vacation schedule takes priority over the regular parenting time schedule when the two conflict.

6. EXCHANGES AND TRANSPORTATION. Exchanges of the children and transportation shall be handled as follows: ________________. Each parent shall have the children ready on time with the clothing and items they need, and shall notify the other parent promptly if a delay cannot be avoided.

7. COMMUNICATION. The parents shall communicate with each other about the children as follows: ________________. Each parent shall have reasonable phone or video contact with the children while they are with the other parent, and shall promptly share information about the children's health, schooling, and activities.

8. CHILD SUPPORT. Child support shall be paid as follows: ________________. Child support is separate from parenting time, and neither parent may withhold the children or payments because of a dispute about the other.

9. SHARED CHILD EXPENSES. In addition to child support, the parents shall share the following costs: ________________. A parent who pays a shared expense shall give the other parent a copy of the receipt or bill within a reasonable time and be reimbursed promptly.

10. RELOCATION. Relocation with the children is governed as follows: ________________. A parent who intends to move shall provide the required notice so the parents can adjust the schedule or, if needed, ask a court to decide.

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND MODIFICATION. The parents shall try to resolve any disagreement about this Plan in good faith and, where reasonable, through mediation before returning to court. This Plan may be changed only in writing signed by both parents or by court order, and any change must serve the best interests of the children.

12. GOVERNING LAW. This Plan is governed by the laws of the State of ________________. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in full effect. This Plan is the entire agreement between the parents regarding the care and custody of the children and may be changed only as provided above.

This is a general template and not legal advice. Custody, parenting time, and child support laws, and the process for a court to approve or enforce a parenting plan, vary by state. Review your state's requirements or have an attorney review this Plan before use.