For separated or divorced parents, creating a parenting plan is a great way to establish clear, agreed-upon arrangements for raising your children. A parenting plan covers everything from living arrangements and visitation schedules to decision-making responsibilities, making co-parenting smoother and less stressful. But how do you get started? At Coastal Lawyers, we guide parents through this process with clarity and care.
Mediation: The Key to a Parenting Plan
Most parenting plans are developed through mediation, a structured process where parents work together with the help of a neutral third party (a mediator). The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement that meets the needs of both parents and, most importantly, the children.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Scheduling Mediation
Mediation sessions are often half-day or full-day events, depending on the complexity of the issues being discussed. The session provides dedicated time to focus on parenting arrangements without outside distractions. - Discussing Key Issues
During mediation, parents will discuss and negotiate important aspects of parenting, such as:- Living arrangements and time spent with each parent.
- Holiday schedules and special occasions.
- Communication methods between parents and with children.
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, health, and extracurricular activities.
- Reaching an Agreement
The mediator facilitates discussions, helping parents reach compromises and agreements that prioritize the best interests of the child. While mediators do not make decisions for you, they guide productive conversations and help resolve disputes. - Drafting the Parenting Plan
Once an agreement is reached, the mediator or a legal professional drafts the parenting plan. This document outlines all agreed-upon arrangements in detail.
Why Choose a Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans are voluntary and flexible, giving parents the freedom to create arrangements tailored to their family’s unique needs. They:
- Encourage cooperation between parents.
- Provide clarity on responsibilities.
- Are adaptable, allowing updates as children grow or circumstances change.
While parenting plans are not legally binding, they serve as a useful reference if disputes arise later. If you require a legally enforceable agreement, the plan can be converted into consent orders through the court.
How Coastal Lawyers Can Help
At Coastal Lawyers, we’re passionate about helping families navigate separation with dignity and care. We can assist by:
- Preparing you for mediation.
- Advising you on what to include in your parenting plan.
- Reviewing or drafting your plan to ensure it’s clear and comprehensive.
- Assisting with converting your plan into consent orders, if necessary.
Ready to Create a Parenting Plan?
Getting a parenting plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and support, you can create an arrangement that works for your family.
Book a Family Law Consultation with Coastal Lawyers today, and let us help you take the next step toward a smoother co-parenting journey.
Written by Coastal Lawyers- Central Coast Family Lawyers
Coastal Lawyers are family lawyers based in Erina, on the Central Coast.
Coastal Lawyers assist family law clients in parenting, property, mediation, dispute resolution, and litigation. We offer the legal advice you expect from a lawyer, along with the emotional support you might not expect.
We are passionate about assisting our clients achieve amicable separations without the need for court intervention through the process of legally assisted mediation.
Our team also frequently appears at the Newcastle Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Newcastle FCFCOA), the Parramatta Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Parramatta FCFCOA), and the Sydney Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Sydney FCFCOA) to represent our clients in more intricate family law matters. This encompasses issues related to family violence, unacceptable risk of harm to children, relocation applications, recovery orders and complex property settlements.
Coastal Lawyers offer a 1 hour Strategy Session for all new family law enquiries at a reduced hourly rate.