Parenting Plan Preparation Pack

When It Applies

Not For

• Urgent child-safety, abduction, domestic violence, or relocation disputes without immediate specialist advice.
• Replacing mediation, legal advice, Family Advocate input, or a court order where required.

Documents

• Children's birth certificates
• Existing orders
• Parenting plan drafts
• School records
• Medical records
• Contact schedule
• Holiday schedule
• Travel documents
• Communication records
• Payment records

Timeline

• Before mediation: list child needs, current routine, and two practical schedule options.
• During discussion: record agreements and unresolved issues.
• After signing: store final documents and share practical arrangements with schools where appropriate.
• Ongoing: review after major child, school, work, health, or residence changes.

Tips

• Avoid using the plan to punish the other parent.
• Make handover rules specific enough to work on school days and holidays.
• Keep child maintenance and parenting time connected but not confused.
• Use short written confirmations after schedule changes.

Warning Signs

• There is family violence, substance abuse, neglect, or child-safety risk.
• A parent threatens to relocate or remove a child without agreement.
• Passports, school enrolment, medical care, or guardianship decisions are disputed.
• The child is refusing contact or showing distress.