Parenting plans

For children's matters, parents often work together informally and negotiate agreements amongst themselves. Whilst there is no need to put an agreement in writing, if is in writing and signed by the parties it can become a parenting plan. Alternatively a parenting plan can be drawn up. Parenting plans tend to only be used if legal proceedings have not commenced as they are not enforceable.

They also have the legal effect of overriding consent orders that exist at the time the parenting plan is entered into. Many clients may unwittingly enter into parenting plans to appease the other party falsely believing that the court orders will trump the parenting plan. It is important that practitioners advise their clients so any decisions made after courts orders are properly informed.

See Parenting plans.