This BC Child Custody Parenting Plan comes from an excellent website by Gary Direnfeld at www.yoursocialworker.com. Please check out his website and use his worksheet below to come up with a plan you feel best meets the needs of your children.
PARENTING PLAN WORKSHEET Date: ____________
Print and complete this worksheet to facilitate discussion and development of a parenting plan. You may alter the content to meet your needs.
This document may be used in discussion between parents or with a counselor, mediator, family-law lawyer, etc. To make this plan legally binding, consult your lawyer.
This document is not necessarily exhaustive of all issues involved in developing a parenting plan. Users of this document are therefore advised to seek professional input prior to a final agreement.
This Parenting Plan regards the care of children subject to their parents:
Mother Father
Name
Address
City
Province/State, Country
Postal/Zip Code
Telephone
Email
This plan has been developed through the following process:
This parenting plan applies to the following children:
Name Birth Date Age
Child 1 ____
Child 2 ____
Child 3 ____
Child 4 ____
Child 5 ____
RESIDENTIAL SCHEDULE
Key: Use M” for Mother and F” for Father
Week 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Description:
Location of pick-ups: ____
Location of drop-offs: ____
SCHEDULE FOR WINTER/CHRISTMAS VACATION
The child(ren) will reside with [ ] Mother [ ] Father during the winter vacation or
The child(ren) will reside with [ ] Mother [ ] Father for the first week of winter vacation
in [ ] even [ ] odd years and the other parent for the second week.
Other:
SCHEDULE FOR SPRING VACATION
The child(ren) will reside with [ ] Mother [ ] Father during the spring vacation in [ ] even [ ] odd years or:
SUMMER SCHEDULE
Upon completion of the school year, the child(ren) will reside with parents as follows:
OR:
[ ] same as school year schedule
[ ] one week every month
[ ] Two weeks every month
[ ] One month
Other:
SCHEDULE FOR HOLIDAYS
The residential schedule for the child(ren) for the holidays is:
1. New Year’s Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
2. Easter Friday [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
3. Easter Sunday [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
4. Passover [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
5. Mother’s Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
6. Father’s Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
7. Canada Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
8. Labor Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
9. Thanksgiving Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
10. Christmas Eve [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
11. Christmas Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
12. Hanukkah [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
13. Independence – July 4 [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
14. Memorial Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
15. Martin Luther King [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
16. Presidents Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
17. Columbus Day [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
18. Halloween [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
19. Other ____________ [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
20. Other ____________ [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Odd Years [ ] Even Years [ ] Every Year
For purposes of this parenting plan, holiday times will begin and end as follows:
____
____
Birthdays:
1. [ ] Each parent shall have the option of having the child for a ___ hour visit on that parent’s birthday, if the child is not already with the parent on that day. The timing of the visit shall be arranged with at least _____ days/weeks notice, or [ ] each parent will celebrate their birthday when next they are with the child(ren).
2. [ ] The parents will hold birthday parties for the child in alternating years, with the Mother holding the party in [ ] even [ ] odd numbered years and the Father holding the party in [ ] even [ ] odd numbered years. The child’s birthdays are special days in themselves, and will not count as a visitation day for the parent hosting the party, or [ ] each parent will make their own arrangement, coinciding with the normal schedule of access.
TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS. Transportation arrangements for the child(ren) between the parents will be as follows:
SCHOOL / DAYCARE
Enrollment / Attendance
The child(ren) will be enrolled and attend as follows:
Child 1: School ____ Grade: ____
Child 2: School ____ Grade: ____
Child 3: School ____ Grade: ____
Child 4: School ____ Grade: ____
Child 5: School ____ Grade: ____
1. [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Both to reside in the jurisdiction of the local school.
2. The child(ren) shall continue to attend such schools and/or daycare as long as the parents are agreed, or [ ] mother shall effect such decision, or, [ ] father shall effect such decision.
3. In the event that the school authorities should find that a child might be an exceptional student or a student with special needs, both parents shall have the right to attend and to be informed of any pertinent meetings or testing, or [ ] mother only, or, [ ] father only.
4. The consent of [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] both parents shall be needed before any special recommendations can be instituted.
5. Both parents shall be provided by the school with separate notices of events and report cards. In order that this provision might be carried out, both parents shall provide the school with stamped, self-addressed envelopes sufficient for all communications during the year – given the consent of the school to this provision. In the vent the school cannot undertake this task, [ ] Mother [ ] Father will undertake to notify the other of events and provide a copy of report cards within ___ days of receiving.
6. [ ] Both parents, or [ ] mother only, or, [ ] father only, shall have the ability to share in voluntary activities in the child’s school life. In order that this provision might be carried out, both parents shall be informed of any school trips or activities in which parental participation is desired, and they should discuss among themselves which one of them will attend.
7. If either parent is unable to decide which school related activities they will attend (as set out above), they shall alternate with Mother taking the first activity day in even numbered years and Father taking the first activity day in odd numbered years.
8. The [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall be the primary liaison person with the school.
9. Prior to graduation from High School, Mother and Father will consult each other with respect to the post High School education of the children and costs if not otherwise determined.
Special Education
Special education plans are as follows:
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Both parents encourage the child(ren) to engage in the following extracurricular activities:
Child 1: Activities: School ____ Grade: ____ Cost: ____
Child 2: Activities: School ____ Grade: ____ Cost: ____
Child 3: Activities: School ____ Grade: ____ Cost: ____
Child 4: Activities: School ____ Grade: ____ Cost: ____
Child 5: Activities: School ____ Grade: ____ Cost: ____
Costs for extracurricular activities to be shared as follows:
[ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Both equally [ ] Other:
1. [ ] To the extent that one parent is not willing to participate in the funding of any extracurricular activity, then the other parent will have the sole decision-making authority with respect to that activity, and the non-contributing parent will not object.
2. [ ] There will be no comment made with respect to financial non-contribution of one parent in the provision of extracurricular activities by the other.
3. [ ] Neither parent will engage in the provision of extracurricular activities for the child(ren) which will result in the exclusion, whether intentional or unintentional, of the other.
4. [ ] As the child(ren) enter teenage years, the child(ren) will be permitted to attend social functions sponsored by their school or church as well as private parties, provided parents are satisfied that alcohol and drugs are not available at those functions.
RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING
The following is acknowledged as the children’s faith: ____
The child(ren) will attend ____ (place of worship),
and the parents will continue, where possible, to attend with the child(ren). Before any change in the religious affiliation of the child(ren), the parents will consult in advance and attempt to reach an agreement with respect to any such change. In the event the parents are unable to agree with respect to religious upbringing, [ ] Mother [ ] Father will make the decision.
USE OF AN AUTOMOBILE
The parents will consult regarding driving decisions, driving lessons and insurance. If the parents are unable to reach an agreement [ ] Mother [ ] Father will make the decision.
PARENTAL BEHAVIOUR and DEVELOPMENT
Mother and Father will conduct themselves with respect to each other and the child(ren) so as to provide a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child(ren) even though they, themselves, may no longer co-habit. To that end they will not speak derogatorily of each other or the members of the family of the other, will not cause the child(ren) to be drawn into any dispute regarding decisions affecting the child(ren) and will not attempt to curry favor with the child(ren) to the detriment of the other.
Parents will consider and avail themselves of articles, books, workshops and/or counseling to improve their parenting skills or to further their understanding of their children’s physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual or academic needs as may be required. Parents will exercise consistency in access, discipline and behavioural and academic expectations and will endeavour to communicate with each other on such matters or attend counseling to facilitate such.
DAY-TO-DAY DECISIONS / DAILY NEEDS
Each parent will make decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of each child while the child is residing with that parent. Regardless of the allocation of decision making in the parenting plan, either parent may make emergency decisions affecting the health and safety of the child(ren).
When each child is in the care of a parent, that parent will insure the child will be properly
groomed, fed, clothed and supervised. The child will be given proper physical, health and day care as appropriate.
MEDICAL
The child(ren) shall be medically cared for by the primary care providers who shall be appointed by [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] both parents.
Child 1: Physician ____ Tel: ____
Child 2: Physician ____ Tel: ____
Child 3: Physician ____ Tel: ____
Child 4: Physician ____ Tel: ____
Child 5: Physician ____ Tel: ____
Child 1: Dentist ____ Tel: ____
Child 2: Dentist ____ Tel: ____
Child 3: Dentist ____ Tel: ____
Child 4: Dentist ____ Tel: ____
Child 5: Dentist ____ Tel: ____
In the event a child is on medication, the parents agree to transfer and dispense or otherwise manage medication(s) as follows: ____
____
____
Other medical considerations: ____
____
____
____
____
1. Both parents shall have the right to give consent to emergency medical/dental care during times that the child is in their care and control.
2. Each parent shall undertake to inform the other parent of the extent and nature of the care and the extent and nature of the emergency as soon as is reasonably possible.
3. The parent who has the care of the child while the child becomes ill will inform the other parent of the nature and extent of the illness as soon as is practically possible.
4. Both parents shall have the right to be informed of and to attend any regular medical appointments that the child might have.
5. Both parents shall have the right to receive from and give information to a medical professional (that includes other health care professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, psychologists and others).
6. If the child needs to be referred to a medical sub-specialist, the consent of [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] both parents shall be needed to effect such a referral.
7. Both parents shall have the right to be informed of any dental appointments that the child might have.
8. If the child needs to be referred to a dental sub-specialist, the consent of [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] both parents shall be needed to effect such a referral.
9. The [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall be the primary liaison with the child’s doctor.
10. The [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall be the primary liaison with the child’s dentist.
11. The [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall be the primary liaison with the child’s orthodontist.
12. If there should be a need for the child to be referred to a practitioner skilled in social, emotional or behaviourial problems, the consent of [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] both parents shall be needed to effect such a referral.
13. Both parents shall have the absolute right to participate in, consult with and be consulted by such a practitioner. The form that such participation or consultation should take shall be left to the judgment of the clinician.
SPECIAL NEEDS
In the event a child has special needs owing to a developmental, physical, psychological, learning, psychiatric, social, behavioural or emotional condition, such needs will be addressed as follows: ____
____
____
____
____
MOBILITY
The residence of each parent shall be restricted to a ____ [ ] kilometer [ ] mile radius of each other or of this central location:
____
TRAVEL
1. The child(ren)’s travel documents (Passport) will be held by [ ] Mother [ ] Father.
2. The child shall not be taken from the confines of their Province or State of residence without informing the other parent. The other parent shall be informed with ____ days/weeks notice.
3. The child shall not leave the country without being fully covered by appropriate medical insurance.
4. The parent with whom the child(ren) are traveling shall provide the other parent with a contact number where a message can be left or where he or she can be reached.
CHILD CARE
1. Each parent shall be responsible for making their own child care arrangements for the temporary alternate care of the child (babysitting) , when such care is needed, with the exception of the conditions set out below:
2. Each parent shall inform the other from time to time who is providing alternate care for the child.
3. Each parent shall have the right to communicate with the person who is providing alternate care for the child.
4. If the parent with whom the child is resident is going to be absent for a period of more than ____ hours, the other parent shall be given the right of first refusal to care for the child.
OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
Parents will encourage and foster relationships of each child with other children, family members and extended family members.
If either of the parents should become incapacitated by reason of illness or misfortune, or if either of the parents should die, the remaining parent will ensure that the child(ren) shall continue to have contact with the extended family of the affected parent.
Exceptions:
CHANGE OF NAME
Neither parent shall change the given name or surname of the child(ren) without the written consent of the other parent.
NEW PARTNERS/SPOUSES
Parents will act with due consideration to how the child(ren) shall address a parent’s new partner or spouse (stepparent). Parents will discuss this issue with concern for confusion or loyalty issues.
CHILD(RENS) TOYS – BELONGINGS – CLOTHING
The parents recognize that the child(ren) may have particular attachments to certain belongings and will respect the child(ren)’s right to have such belongings transfer with them between parents. The parents agree to [ ] share clothing, or, [ ] each parent shall provide their own clothing for the child(ren).
Other: ____
____
____
____
OTHER PROVISIONS FOR DECISION MAKING
The following special provisions apply to decision-making:
If either parent is impaired by drugs, alcohol, fatigue or any other condition that may affect care giving, parental responsibility or judgment in a manner that may affect the well-being of the child(ren), then the other parent may assume sole decision making authority for the duration of the impairment.
If either parent subjects the child(ren) to harm through neglect or abuse or exposure to immoral or otherwise harmful influence, then the other parent shall assume sole decision making authority until the situation has been dealt with and until such time as there is reasonable grounds to assume such situations or behaviour are not likely to re-occur. Under such circumstances parents are obliged to inform child protection services as may be required by law.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
In the event that the Mother and Father are unable to resolve any particular issue they agree to resolve the matter through:
[ ] Discussion with a friend or family member: ____
[ ] Counseling with: ____
[ ] Mediation with: ____
[ ] Collaborative Family Law with: ____
[ ] Court/Arbitration: ____
[ ] Other:
Mediation:
1. Either parent may determine if mediation is necessary in order to resolve parenting issues, on the basis of [ ] verbal, [ ] written notice to the other.
2. The parent who calls for mediation shall be initially responsible for any costs associated with the mediation pending alternate agreement made by the parties, or through the mediation process or by Court Order.
3. In conducting any mediation the parties shall empower the mediator to collect such information from third parties as, in the discretion of the mediator, may assist in resolving the dispute.
4. If any dispute cannot be resolved by the parties in the foregoing manner, it may be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction on application of either party or, upon agreement by the parties, by arbitration.
Other: ____
____
____
COMMUNICATION
The parents will communicate with each other through:
[ ] Telephone Mother: ____ Father: ____
[ ] Email Mother: ____ Father: ____
[ ] Face to Face: ____
[ ] Communication book: ____
[ ] Other: ____
Communications will be brief and relate only to issues at hand. Neither parent shall communicate in a discourteous manner with the other. Communication book, emails or any other permanent record of communication may be used in mediation, arbitration or a court proceeding. As such, parents are advised to be cautious with respect to the content of the permanent record.
RIGHTS
The following are the rights of a parent where a child is not in the care of that parent, unless those rights are denied in whole or in part by the Court upon a showing that such denial is in the best interests of the child:
1. The right to unimpeded telephone conversations with each child at least _____ times a day/week at reasonable times and for reasonable duration.
2. The right to send mail or email to each child that the other parent will not open or censor.
3. The right to receive notice and relevant information as soon as practicable but within twenty-four (24) hours of any event of hospitalization, major illness or death of a child.
4. The right to be free of unwarranted derogatory remarks made about the parent or the parent’ s family by the other parent t o or in the presence of the child.
DECLARATION
In the event the parents are in agreement with the terms as described above, they may execute this declaration and use this form as the basis of their agreement. Parents are advised to discuss the contents herein with their lawyers and obtain independent legal advice.
We each make the following declaration in accepting this plan:
We declare that this plan has been developed in good faith and is in the best interest of the child(ren) and that the statements herein are true and correct and that we agree to abide accordingly. We sign it on a without prejudice basis, pending independent legal advice.
____ ____
Mother Date
____ ____
Father Date
____ ____
Witness Date
