What Is a Parenting Plan?
If you are separating in New South Wales and trying to work out arrangements for your children, a parenting plan can be a useful way to record what has been agreed.
A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that sets out practical arrangements for the care, welfare and development of their children.
This guide explains how a parenting plan works in NSW, what it should include, and when parents should consider using consent orders instead.
A parenting plan is a written agreement made between parents after separation. It can deal with issues such as:
- where the children live
- when they spend time with each parent
- school holiday arrangements
- communication arrangements
- education and medical decisions
- transport and changeovers
- review and dispute resolution processes
Is a Parenting Plan Legally Binding in NSW?
A parenting plan is an important written agreement, but it is not legally binding in the same way as consent orders.
It can still be very useful where parents are communicating reasonably well and want a practical framework that can be adjusted over time.
Where there is a higher risk of disagreement or the arrangements need to be enforceable, consent orders may be the better option.
What Should a Parenting Plan Include?
A practical parenting plan for NSW families should include:
- living arrangements
- regular time with each parent
- school holiday and special occasion arrangements
- communication rules
- education and health decision-making
- transport responsibilities
- a process for reviewing the agreement later
When a Parenting Plan Works Well
A parenting plan may work well where:
- both parents are willing to cooperate
- the arrangements are relatively straightforward
- there is enough trust to follow the agreement
- flexibility is helpful as the children grow
When Consent Orders May Be Better
Consent orders may be more appropriate where:
- the agreement needs to be legally binding
- there is ongoing conflict
- the arrangements are complex
- one parent wants stronger legal certainty
Parenting Plans and Mediation in NSW
Many NSW parents create parenting plans through mediation.
Mediation can help parents:
- reduce conflict
- focus on practical arrangements
- keep the discussion child-focused
- avoid unnecessary court proceedings
See Family Law Mediation.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to make a parenting plan in NSW?
Not always, but legal advice can be useful where the issues are more complex.
Can a parenting plan be changed later?
Yes. Parenting plans are flexible and can be updated as circumstances change.
Is mediation required before court in NSW?
In many parenting matters, parties are generally required to attempt family dispute resolution before court, subject to exceptions.
Speak with Mediations Australia
A parenting plan can be a useful tool for NSW parents who want to record practical arrangements after separation without immediately escalating to court.
If you need help reaching agreement, Mediations Australia can help you work through parenting issues in mediation.
