How to Create a Parenting Plan: A Complete Checklist for UK Separated Parents
A parenting plan is one of the most valuable tools separated parents can create.
Rather than relying on memory, assumptions or repeated discussions, a parenting plan sets out how you will raise your child together while living apart.
A well-written plan can reduce misunderstandings, prevent conflict and give children the consistency they need to feel secure across two homes.
This guide provides a comprehensive parenting plan checklist inspired by common co-parenting issues and the principles behind Cafcass' Our Child's Plan.
Quick Answer
A parenting plan is a written agreement between separated parents covering child arrangements, communication, holidays, education, healthcare, finances and decision-making. A clear parenting plan helps reduce conflict, provides consistency for children and can make future disagreements easier to resolve.
Remember
A parenting plan is not about controlling the other parent. It is about giving your child predictability, stability and two parents who understand what has been agreed.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a written document that records how separated parents intend to care for their child.
Unlike a court order, many parenting plans are voluntary agreements that parents create together.
The plan can be updated as children grow and family circumstances change.
Why Have a Parenting Plan?
Even parents who communicate well often discover they remember conversations differently.
Having a written plan means everyone can refer back to the same agreement.
A parenting plan can help:
- Reduce misunderstandings.
- Create consistency.
- Avoid repeated arguments.
- Support children emotionally.
- Clarify responsibilities.
- Reduce unnecessary court applications.
Plans Should Be Flexible
Children's needs change over time. Your parenting plan should be reviewed regularly rather than treated as something that can never change.
Parenting Plan Checklist
- ☐ Weekly living arrangements
- ☐ School holidays
- ☐ Christmas and birthdays
- ☐ School communication
- ☐ Medical decisions
- ☐ Emergency contacts
- ☐ Child maintenance
- ☐ Shared expenses
- ☐ Handover arrangements
- ☐ Communication rules
- ☐ Introducing new partners
- ☐ Passport storage
- ☐ Foreign travel
- ☐ Clubs and activities
- ☐ Technology and screen time
- ☐ Reviewing the plan
1. Communication
Start by agreeing how communication should take place.
For example:
- Which app will be used?
- How quickly should messages normally be answered?
- Which matters are urgent?
- What information should always be shared?
Good communication reduces many co-parenting disagreements before they begin.
2. Living Arrangements
Your parenting plan should clearly explain where your child lives during a normal week.
Include:
- Collection times.
- Drop-off locations.
- School collections.
- Weekend arrangements.
- Bank holidays.
- Inset days.
3. School and Education
Agree how important educational decisions will be managed.
This might include:
- Parents' evenings.
- Homework.
- School trips.
- Uniform.
- School communications.
- After-school clubs.
4. Healthcare
Your parenting plan should also explain how medical matters are handled.
Include arrangements for:
- Routine appointments.
- Dental care.
- Vaccinations.
- Medication.
- Medical emergencies.
- Sharing important health information.
5. Holidays and Special Occasions
Holiday arrangements are one of the most common causes of disagreement after separation, so it's worth being as specific as possible.
Your parenting plan should cover:
- Summer holidays.
- Christmas.
- Easter.
- Half-term breaks.
- Birthdays.
- Mother's Day and Father's Day.
- Family celebrations.
- Travel abroad.
Agreeing these dates in advance can avoid last-minute disagreements and make planning easier for everyone.
6. Child Maintenance and Shared Expenses
Although child maintenance is separate from child arrangements, it can still be helpful to record any financial agreements within your parenting plan.
You may wish to note:
- Child maintenance arrangements.
- School uniform costs.
- School trips.
- Clubs and activities.
- Medical expenses.
- Unexpected costs.
Recording who pays for what helps reduce future misunderstandings.
7. Introducing New Partners
Every family approaches this differently, but discussing expectations in advance can prevent conflict.
You may want to agree:
- When new partners are introduced.
- Whether the other parent will be informed beforehand.
- How introductions are handled with younger children.
- Whether overnight stays are discussed.
There is rarely a single correct answer—what matters is focusing on the child's wellbeing rather than the adults' feelings.
Keep the Child at the Centre
Whenever a disagreement arises, ask one simple question: "What outcome is likely to be best for our child?" That question often changes the direction of the conversation.
8. Technology and Social Media
Modern parenting plans often include agreements about technology.
You may wish to discuss:
- Screen time.
- Gaming.
- Social media.
- Online safety.
- Video calls with the other parent.
- Age-appropriate internet access.
Having similar expectations across both homes can provide children with greater consistency.
9. Reviewing the Parenting Plan
Your parenting plan should not stay exactly the same forever.
Children grow, schools change, work patterns evolve and family life naturally develops over time.
Many parents choose to review their parenting plan:
- Every six or twelve months.
- Before the start of a new school year.
- Following a house move.
- After significant changes in family circumstances.
How The Coparent App Can Help
The Coparent App has been designed to help separated parents put their parenting plan into practice—not just write one and forget about it.
Features include:
- Parenting Plans stored securely in one place.
- Shared calendars for school events, holidays and handovers.
- AI-assisted messaging to encourage calmer communication.
- Court-ready communication records if disagreements later arise.
- Boundary Mode to reduce excessive messaging.
- Quiet Mode to minimise unnecessary notifications.
- Unlimited storage for important parenting documents.
- One-device access to help protect account integrity.
Many parents search for a court approved co-parenting app. While there is not usually a single official UK-wide list of approved apps, a court-ready co-parenting app that keeps parenting plans, communication and records organised can make co-parenting significantly easier.
Looking for a calmer way to co-parent?
The Coparent App helps separated parents communicate more effectively with AI-assisted messaging, court-ready records, shared calendars, parenting plans and tools designed specifically for UK families.
Final Thoughts
A parenting plan is one of the best investments separated parents can make.
It provides clarity, creates consistency for children and reduces the need for repeated discussions about everyday arrangements.
The goal is not to predict every possible situation. It is to create a practical framework that helps both parents make decisions with confidence while keeping their child's welfare at the centre of every choice.
Build a Better Parenting Plan
The Coparent App helps UK separated parents manage parenting plans, communication, shared calendars and court-ready records in one secure place.
Designed for UK families. Built to reduce conflict.
View PricingFrequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a parenting plan?
A parenting plan should usually cover living arrangements, communication, holidays, education, healthcare, finances, handovers and how future disagreements will be managed.
Is a parenting plan legally binding?
Most parenting plans are voluntary agreements between parents. They are different from a Child Arrangements Order made by the Family Court.
How often should a parenting plan be reviewed?
Many families review their parenting plan every six to twelve months or whenever significant changes occur, such as a new school or changes to work commitments.
Can a parenting plan reduce conflict?
Yes. Having clear written agreements often reduces misunderstandings and provides both parents with a shared point of reference when questions arise.
Can The Coparent App help manage a parenting plan?
Yes. The Coparent App includes parenting plans, shared calendars, AI-assisted messaging and court-ready records to help separated parents stay organised.
