Parenting Plans
Whenever a matter is before the court involving the parent(s) of a minor child with respect to the care, custody, education and upbringing of the child, the parents must file a Parental Responsibility Plan (Parenting Plan). At a minimum a proposed Parenting Plan must include:
- A schedule of the physical residence of the child
- Allocation of decision-making authority between the parents regarding the child’s health, education, and religious upbringing
- How the parties will resolve future disputes
- How the parties will deal with breaches of the agreement
- Provisions for dealing with the child’s changing needs
- Minimizing the child’s exposure to parental conflict, encouraging the parents to meet their responsibilities, and protecting the best interests of the child
The purpose of a Parenting Plan is to provide for the child’s physical care, emotional stability, changing needs and establish each parent’s authority and responsibilities with respect to the child.
If both parents consent to a Parenting Plan it will be approved by the Court, unless the Court finds it is not in the best interests of the child.
