A co-parenting plan is a structured agreement that describes how two parents who are no longer together will raise the child. It contains information about visitation times and dates, as well as other information deemed important by the parents. Establishing an effective co-parenting plan can help lay out the critical information and avoid future conflict.

When drafting a co-parenting plan, it is especially important to use clear and unambiguous language. In case the parenting plan needs to be enforced, a judge must be able to read the specific provisions in question. Phrases such as “reasonable visitation” or “liberal visitation” will be more difficult to enforce because of their lack of precision. A well-defined schedule that details specific visitation dates and holiday plans is a better option.

It is important to include information about each provision that can be reasonably predicted to cause problems. This can vary in each case. However, it may include addressing issues regarding medical treatments, religious decisions, extracurricular activities and educational decisions. The parents might include a provision that requires mediation in the event that a dispute does arise.

One common point of contention in family law cases is a move by one of the parents, especially the parent who has more time with the child. A parenting plan may establish provisions regarding this issue, as well as related issues as out of state or out of country travel. In order to maximize access time with the child, the parents may also want to establish language that gives them the opportunity to care for the child if the other parent is to be gone during his or her normal time with the child.

Perhaps most importantly, a parenting plan should include language that adjusts visitation time with the child based on his or her age and developmental needs.