What is a Parenting Plan?

By: Jake Hornstein, Co-Founder & COO
Published in the Clearwater Beach & Bellaire Neighborhood News - June-July Edition

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What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a document developed and agreed to by the parents of a minor child and approved by the court. Or, if the parents cannot agree on a plan, it will be established by the court.

A parenting plan governs the relationship between the parents regarding the child. It may address issues such as the child's education, health care and emotional well-being, and must include a time-sharing schedule.

Notable Terms & Definitions

Time-shoring schedule means a timetable that must be included in the parenting plan that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays that a child will spend with each parent. If developed and agreed to by the parents of a child, it must be approved by the court.

Shared parental responsibility means a court-ordered relationship in which both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities with respect to their child and in which both parents confer with each other so that major decisions affecting the welfare of the child will be determined jointly.

Sole parental responsibility means a court-ordered relationship in which one parent makes decisions regarding the minor child.

To help you and your co-parent get started with writing your parenting plan, consider these important topics & issues.

Parenting Schedule, Holidays, Special Occasions, School Holidays, Sick Days, Vacation, Travel, Discipline, Health Care, Education, Financial Responsibilities and Parent Communication.

Does your draft Parenting Plan need a review?

Our Children Have Rights .Org is a Pinellas based 501 c3 nonprofit organization that also offers NO COST review of Parenting Plans.

Before you submit to a lawyer or sign, let us help you identify any gaps or errors. Get it right the first time and AVOID future disputes and costly mistakes. It's much harder to change these things after you sign, so get it right the first time and let us help you protect yourself and the best interests of your child.

How it Works

We review with an unbiased point of view. Submit your draft Parenting Plan (ourchildrenhaverights.org/document­review) and we'll give you our honest feedback via email, video conference or phone call (your choice).

Support of our mission is vital, and we kindly ask our community to consider a small financial contribution to our program.

Most importantly, if you, or someone you know, needs our assistance, we're here for you. We're on a mission. A mission to protect the rights of children to have access to both responsible and involved parents by providing education, resources, and support services for successful co-parenting. Why? Because Our Children Have Rights.

Contact Jake - JakeHornstein@OurChildrenHaveRights.com. To donate, visit www.ourchildrenhaverights.org/donate.