When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important documents they’ll create is a parenting plan. This isn’t just paperwork. It’s a roadmap for how you’ll continue raising your children together, even though you’re no longer together as a couple. A solid parenting plan reduces confusion, prevents arguments, and gives your kids the stability they desperately need during a difficult transition. Understanding what to include in a parenting plan helps ensure your checklist covers everything that matters for your family.
Purpose of a Parenting Plan
Think of a parenting plan as your family’s new operating manual. It spells out exactly how you and your co-parent will handle the day-to-day realities of raising children in two households.
The goal isn’t to create rigid rules that make life harder. Instead, deciding what to include in your parenting plan is about building a framework that protects your children’s well-being while giving both parents clear expectations. When everyone knows who’s responsible for what, there’s less room for misunderstandings that can escalate into conflicts.
Legal Requirements for Parenting Plans in California
California courts require divorcing or separating parents to submit a parenting plan as part of their custody case. The state wants to see that you’ve thought through the practical details of co-parenting.
Your plan must address custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and how you’ll make major decisions about your children’s lives. Courts review these plans to ensure they serve the children’s best interests. If you and your co-parent can’t agree on a plan, a judge will create one for you. Trust us when we say it’s better to work this out yourselves whenever possible.
Physical Custody Arrangements
Physical custody determines where your children live, usually splitting time between both parents. In many cases, parents split physical custody with one parent having the children during the school week and visiting the other on the weekend. Some families split time equally, with kids alternating weeks between homes. Which option works best largely depends on the schooling needs of the children and the working needs of the parents.
Legal Custody and Decision-Making Authority
Legal custody is separate from physical custody. It covers who makes major decisions about your children’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Many parents share joint legal custody, meaning you’ll need to consult each other before making big choices. Some situations call for one parent to have sole legal custody, particularly if there’s a history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Spell out exactly which decisions require mutual agreement and which ones the custodial parent can make independently.
Holiday and Vacation Schedules
Regular schedules get disrupted by holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation. Your plan needs to address these special times.
Will you alternate major holidays each year? Split the winter break in half? Many families find it helpful to create a multi-year rotation, so everyone knows well in advance where the kids will be for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Education and School-Related Decisions
School choices, parent-teacher conferences, and educational support all need clear guidelines.
Who attends school events? How will you share report cards and progress reports? If you’re considering changing schools or starting tutoring, does that require joint agreement? Both parents should stay involved in their children’s education, so build in systems for sharing information.
Health Care and Medical Decision Authority
Medical decisions range from routine checkups to emergency situations. Your plan should cover both.
Designate who can authorize medical treatment. For non-emergency care, will you consult each other first? How will you share medical records and information about appointments? Don’t forget about mental health care, dental work, and vision care. Also, address how you’ll split medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Conflict Resolution Methods for Parents
Even the best parenting plans can’t prevent every disagreement. Build in a process for resolving disputes.
Many families start with direct discussion, then move to mediation if they can’t reach an agreement. Some plans include provisions for working with a parenting coordinator. Having these steps outlined in advance means you won’t be scrambling to figure out what to do when conflicts arise.
Get Help From a Family Law Attorney
Don’t leave your children’s future to chance; create a plan that withstands the unexpected. A family law attorney can help you understand what to include in a parenting plan that serves your family well for years to come. Contact the Law Offices of Bradley D. Bayan at (650) 364-3600 to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need.
