Parenting Plans

Below are some examples of time division for shared parenting plans, but we would also recommend  the following documents for more comprehensive examples and ideas for approaching Parenting Plans

Parenting Plans (Scotland - Pdf)

Parenting Plans (USA - Pdf) 

JUMP Parenting Plan (UK - Pdf)

As produced by the Jewish Unity for Multiple Parenting - please see www.jump-parenting.org.uk for more.

Is It is well known by those who have shared care of their children that quality time comes with quantity time. Establishing equality between parents also helps them to be more reasonable about arrangements for their children as there is no 'main' carer. The following examples allow the responsibilities and joys of childcare to be shared by providing an equal amount of time for children to spend with each parent. The exception is 'Plan 4' which used to be handed down by the courts as standard in contact disputes.

Plan 1 - Split Week

Suitable for age 4+

Plan 2 - 5/2 - 2/5

Suitable for age 7+

Plan 3 - Alternating Week

Suitable for age 11+

Plan 4 - Traditional "Contact" Visits

More suited to long distance arrangements where schooling is close to one parent

Holidays - To be shared

In year 1 (assuming children are of school age)

Half term in February - Mother
1st week of Easter - Father
2nd week of Easter - Mother
May day - Mother
Half term in May - Father
1st 3 weeks in summer - Mother
2nd 3 weeks in summer - Father
Half term in October - Mother
1st week, Christmas - Father
2nd week, New Year - Mother

In year 2 the dates would alternate starting with Half term in February with Father.

Parents should be flexible enough to exchange the odd day or weekend should a special occasion arise such as birthdays etc. but if there is a disagreement, the plan is the firm fall back position.

It  is always worth ensuring that parenting plans explicitly take account of Bank Holidays and grandparents' birthdays, etc.

Updated  13/05/08