Parenting Plans in Australia: A Complete Guide for Separated Parents

Parenting after separation comes with many challenges. A clear, practical parenting plan helps separated families focus on what matters most: the wellbeing of their children. In this guide, you’ll learn what a parenting plan is, what to include, and how thoughtful planning can reduce conflict and confusion for everyone involved.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a written agreement between separated parents (sometimes including grandparents or others) that sets out how children will be cared for. It needs to be signed and dated by both parties to be valid. It covers day-to-day arrangements and big decisions, aiming for a respectful, child-focused approach that suits each family’s unique circumstances.

Key Topics to Include in a Parenting Plan

Every family is different, so your plan should reflect what works best for your children and your situation. Having said that, we advise you to think about each of the following topics and see whether they might be relevant for inclusion in your parenting plan.

Living Arrangements

Where children will live and who they will live with is crucial. If parents live in different areas or one parent plans to move, describe how that will be managed. Also, outline how address changes will be communicated.

Time Arrangements

How much time children will spend with each parent, and with other important people such as grandparents, is essential. Cover ordinary weeks, school holidays, long weekends, and special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and cultural or religious celebrations.

Pick-ups, Drop-offs, and Transport

Agree on times and locations for changeovers and who is responsible for transport. Plan what happens if a parent is late or cannot attend, and who else can help with pick-ups or drop-offs.

Parental Responsibility and Decision-Making

Explain how major long-term decisions will be made. This can be shared or divided (for example, one parent handling education while the other manages healthcare). List the kinds of issues that need joint consultation, such as schooling, medical care, and religious or cultural matters. Decide how consultation between parents will occur before important decisions are made.

Communication

Describe how your child will stay in touch with the other parent or extended family when not in their care. This could be through phone calls, messages, or video chats. Outline how you will communicate with each other about your child and how to keep discussions respectful. Would a co-parenting app be useful?

Health and Medical Needs

Include how you’ll handle routine and emergency medical care, share information, and make decisions about ongoing health or special care needs.

Education and Childcare

Agree on which school or childcare service your child will attend. Discuss who will attend meetings or school events and how to keep both parents informed of progress. Include how you’ll share costs for education, uniforms, or activities.

Extra Curricular Activities for Children

What sports, hobbies, or other activities are the children involved in? Who is taking responsibility for enrolment, equipment, and transport to events or training sessions?

Financial Arrangements

Explain who pays for everyday needs and how other costs (medical expenses, travel, or extracurricular activities) will be shared. If you include child support in your plan, keep in mind that it’s only legally binding through a formal child support agreement or assessment.

Personal Belongings and Clothing

How will your child’s clothes, possessions, and school items move between homes? What happens if something is lost or damaged?

New Partners and Extended Family

Discuss how new partners will be introduced to your children. Also, consider how they will continue to spend time with grandparents and extended relatives.

Travel

Set the notice required before travel, especially overseas. Include how consent will be given, who keeps the passport, and how travel details are shared.

Screentime

How much time can your children spent on screens (whether TVs, laptops, tablets or phones) a day? Should children cease screentime at a certain time of day (such as before going to bed).

Cultural, Spiritual, and Religious Matters

Include how your child will take part in cultural traditions, languages, or religious activities that are important to the family.

Making Changes, Dispute Resolution, and Review

Explain how changes to the plan can be made as your children grow or circumstances shift. Agree on the process for resolving disputes, such as returning to family dispute resolution before considering legal options. You may schedule a review of your plan, such as every 12 months.

Safety and Family Violence

Ensure your plan protects the physical and emotional safety of both children and parents.

Your parenting plan should always focus on helping children feel safe, loved, and supported. Each plan can be updated as your children’s needs or your family situation changes.

explore your options or have a free initial consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Plans

Is a parenting plan legally binding in Australia?

No, a parenting plan is not legally enforceable. However, it can carry significant weight in family law and can be formalised into a consent order to become enforceable.

Can parenting plans be changed?

Yes. Plans should be reviewed as children grow or your circumstances change. Changes should be agreed upon in writing, and if needed, family dispute resolution can help.

What happens if someone breaks a parenting plan?

Because a parenting plan isn’t legally binding, breaking some or all of its provisions won’t result in legal penalties. If problems do persist, parents can apply for consent orders or seek court intervention.

Do I need a lawyer or mediator?

While not required, many separating parents find it useful to work with a family dispute resolution practitioner. It provides structure and security to have what can be a complex and emotionally charged discussion.

Do parenting plans reduce conflict?

A clear, well-thought-out, structured parenting plan and good communication between separated parents can help decrease conflict and improve outcomes for both children and parents.

What if there are safety or family violence concerns?

Your parenting plan should always prioritise safety. Any protection orders must be followed.