Parenting plans
A parenting plan is a written agreement about arrangements for your children, made without going to court. It is flexible and can change as your children grow.
Start with a free 20-minute discovery call. Meetings across Australia, in person or online.
The best parenting plans are practical. They answer the questions that cause friction before they arise.
A parenting plan can cover where children live, time with each parent, school holidays and special occasions, communication and how decisions are made.
We help you draft a plan that is clear, realistic and focused on your children, and advise whether consent orders would give you more certainty.
A plan that grows with your children
What suits a toddler rarely suits a teenager. A good plan anticipates change and sets out how you will review it.
Where it would help, we coordinate co-parenting support through Florens Psychology & Wellbeing so the plan works in everyday life, not just on paper.
Co-parenting supportHow we can assist
Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, we help you put it in writing clearly.
Holidays and special occasions
School holidays, birthdays, religious and cultural celebrations.
Changeovers
Where and how changeovers happen, and who is present.
New partners
How and when new partners are introduced to children.
Reviewing the plan
When and how the plan will be reviewed as children grow.
If you want an agreement that is legally enforceable, see consent orders.
How a parenting plan is made
A parenting plan can be made at any time, often with the help of a mediator or lawyers.
Call 1300 739 954Get advice
We help you understand what a plan can cover, what is realistic and how it fits with any existing orders.
Discuss and agree
Agreement can be reached directly, through lawyers or in mediation.
Put it in writing
A parenting plan must be in writing, dated and signed by both parents.
Made freely
The plan must be made free from any threat, duress or coercion.
Use the plan
Follow the plan and keep records of how it is working.
Review and update
Plans can be updated at any time by a new written, signed and dated plan.
“Highly recommend. From our very first discussion I felt supported and confident in the firm’s ability. The experience and commitment throughout this very stressful process was amazing. Everything was explained clearly and handled with respect.”
Working on a parenting plan?
Talk to us about an arrangement that works for your children.
Parenting plans and consent orders
Both record agreed arrangements. The right choice depends on your circumstances.
Flexibility
A parenting plan is easy to change by agreement, which suits families who communicate well.
Enforceability
A parenting plan is not legally enforceable. Consent orders are binding and can be enforced.
Interaction with orders
A later parenting plan can change how some existing orders operate, so get advice before signing one.
Who you’ll work with
Laura Dowling
View profile
Dr Suvarna Variyar
View profile
Rachael Aydami
View profile
Dan Farkhutdinov
View profileSeparation can take a real toll on you and your children. Our family wellbeing practitioner, Karly O’Shea, can support you and your parenting alongside your matter, starting with an optional, complimentary wellbeing assessment. Family wellbeing support
Common questions about parenting plans
Is a parenting plan legally binding?
No. A parenting plan is not legally enforceable. If you want binding arrangements, they can be formalised as consent orders.
What makes a parenting plan valid?
It must be in writing, dated, signed by both parents and made free from any threat, duress or coercion.
Does the Court consider a parenting plan?
Yes. If a matter goes to court, the Court considers the most recent parenting plan when deciding what is in the children’s best interests.
Can a parenting plan change court orders?
Some orders are made subject to any later parenting plan, so a new plan can change how they operate. Get advice before signing a plan if you have existing orders.
Do we need lawyers to make a parenting plan?
No, but advice helps you make sure the plan is clear, complete and suits your circumstances.
How often should we review the plan?
Regularly, and especially when children start school, move to high school or their needs change.
What does it cost?
Your first step is a free 20-minute discovery call, where we listen, explain your options and outline what working with us could look like. If you go ahead, we explain costs clearly at the outset.
This is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
A plan that works for your family.
Whether you are starting out or updating what you have, we invite you to start with a confidential conversation about your options.
