Parenting plan template: what to include, clause by clause
A parenting plan is a written agreement covering the practical arrangements for your child after separation. Cafcass describes it as "a written agreement to support a proactive co-parenting approach that covers a range of practical issues for your child". You do not need a lawyer to write one - and if you later apply for a child arrangements order, a draft plan the two of you worked on shows the court you tried to agree.
The headings a good plan covers
Cafcass's own plan works through these areas. Use them as your template sections:
| Section | What to decide |
|---|---|
| Living arrangements | Where your child lives week to week; the weekday/weekend rhythm. |
| School and nursery | Who does drop-off/pick-up; how you share parents' evenings, school events. |
| Holidays and special days | Alternating or shared school holidays; Christmas/Eid/Easter rotations; birthdays. |
| Health | Who takes your child to appointments; how you share medical information. |
| Money | Day-to-day costs, child maintenance arrangement, who pays for what. |
| Communication | How and when you contact each other; how the child contacts the other parent. |
| New partners and change | How you'll handle introductions and review the plan as your child grows. |
How to actually agree one
- Each write down your ideal week, then mark what you'd genuinely flex on.
- Meet (in person or online) and compare - agree the easy sections first.
- Write the agreed version down and date it. Cafcass's free template structures this.
- Review it every 6-12 months, or when circumstances change (new school, new job).
If you use mediation to agree it, the Family Mediation Voucher scheme can cover up to £500 of mediation costs "regardless of what you earn" (GOV.UK, checked 5 Oct 2026).
Is a parenting plan legally binding?
No - it's a written statement of intent, not a court order. Its value is clarity and consistency for your child. If you want it made binding, you can ask the family court to approve it as a consent order (a separate application with its own process). Most families don't need that step unless trust has broken down.
If you can't agree
Family mediation is the expected next step before court: with limited exceptions, you must normally attend a MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting) before applying for a child arrangements order - and there are domestic-abuse and child-protection exemptions set out in Family Procedure Rules r.3.8 and Practice Direction 3A. If mediation fails, our guide to the C100 form and child arrangements orders takes you through the court route, including the £270 fee.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I download an official template?
- Cafcass provides its Parenting Plan free on its website, and many councils and charities host copies. Beware paid "templates" sold online - the free one covers everything they do.
- Does the court look at our parenting plan?
- Yes - if you end up in proceedings, judges want to see what's already agreed and working, and will avoid disturbing arrangements that are settled.
- What age can my child decide?
- There's no fixed age; the court gives weight to your child's wishes and feelings according to their age and understanding. A plan can note how you'll handle this as they mature.
Sources (checked 5 Oct 2026): Cafcass - "How an 'Our Child's Plan' (formerly Parenting Plan) can help"; GOV.UK - Making child arrangements if you divorce or separate (voucher, £270 fee); Family Procedure Rules r.3.8 and PD 3A (MIAM requirement and exemptions). General information, not legal advice.