Parenting Plan Template, Free Download 2026

This Parenting Plan ("Plan") is entered into by and between the parents identified on the signature page hereto (individually, a "Parent" and collectively, the "Parents") with respect to the minor child or children identified in Exhibit A (each, a "Child"). The Parents agree that the primary residential parent shall be [____________] and that the Child shall reside at that Parent's home during all periods not otherwise designated herein. The residential schedule set forth in Exhibit B is intended to afford each Parent meaningful, consistent time with the Child in a manner that supports the Child's developmental needs, school obligations, and established routines.

During each Parent's designated residential period, that Parent shall have full authority to make routine day-to-day decisions concerning the Child's care, including decisions about meals, bedtimes, homework, and recreational activities, without prior consultation with the other Parent. Each Parent shall ensure that the Child is properly supervised at all times and shall not leave the Child in the unsupervised care of any person whose background or conduct would reasonably concern the other Parent. Each Parent shall promptly inform the other Parent of any medical emergency, serious illness, or significant incident involving the Child that occurs during that Parent's residential period.

Transitions between parental residences shall occur at [____________] on the days designated in Exhibit B. The Parents agree to conduct all transitions in a calm, business-like manner that minimizes conflict and anxiety for the Child. Neither Parent shall make disparaging remarks about the other Parent, the other Parent's household, or any member of the other Parent's household in the Child's presence. The Parents shall ensure that the Child arrives at each transition with all necessary clothing, school materials, medications, and personal items.

The holiday and school-break schedule set forth in Exhibit C shall supersede the regular residential schedule whenever a conflict arises. The Parents shall alternate specified holidays as designated in Exhibit C, with [Parent A] having priority in odd-numbered calendar years and [Parent B] having priority in even-numbered calendar years, unless the Parents agree otherwise in writing at least [____] days in advance. For purposes of this Plan, a holiday period begins and ends at the times specified in Exhibit C, and the Parent whose holiday period it is shall bear responsibility for all transportation associated with that period.

Each Parent shall be entitled to [____] consecutive weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with the Child per calendar year, subject to advance written notice of not less than [____] days to the other Parent. Vacation periods shall not be scheduled in a manner that conflicts with the other Parent's designated holiday periods without that Parent's written consent. During any vacation period involving travel outside the state of the Child's primary residence or outside the United States, the traveling Parent shall provide the other Parent with a complete itinerary, including flight information, hotel addresses, and emergency contact numbers, at least [____] days before departure.

The Parents shall share joint legal custody of the Child, conferring the equal right and responsibility to participate in all major decisions affecting the Child's health, education, religious upbringing, and extracurricular participation. Before either Parent makes or implements a major decision, that Parent shall provide the other Parent with written notice and a reasonable period of not less than [____] days to discuss and attempt to reach agreement. For purposes of this Plan, "major decisions" include but are not limited to: (a) enrollment in or transfer from any school or educational program; (b) election or refusal of elective or non-emergency medical, dental, or mental health treatment; (c) participation in religious instruction or observance; and (d) travel outside the United States.

Notwithstanding the joint legal custody arrangement, the following specific decision-making allocations shall apply: [Parent A] shall have final decision-making authority with respect to [____________], and [Parent B] shall have final decision-making authority with respect to [____________], in each case after good-faith consultation with the other Parent. Emergency medical and safety decisions may be made unilaterally by the Parent with the Child at the time of the emergency, provided that the deciding Parent notifies the other Parent as soon as practicable and in no event later than [____] hours after the emergency. Each Parent shall be listed as an authorized emergency contact for the Child at all schools, medical providers, and extracurricular programs.

In the event of any dispute arising under this Plan, the Parents shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through direct good-faith negotiation. If the Parents are unable to resolve the dispute within [____] days of written notice from either Parent, the Parents shall submit the dispute to mediation with a mutually agreed-upon family law mediator or, if the Parents cannot agree, with a mediator selected through [____________] mediation services. The cost of mediation shall be shared equally between the Parents unless the mediator or court determines otherwise. Neither Parent shall seek judicial intervention without first completing mediation, except in cases of emergency or immediate risk of harm to the Child.

This Plan may be modified by the written agreement of both Parents or by court order upon a showing of a substantial and material change in circumstances affecting the Child's best interests. Any written modification agreed to by the Parents shall be signed by both Parents, dated, and attached to this Plan as a numbered amendment. The Parents acknowledge that informal verbal arrangements are not binding modifications and may not be enforced against either Parent. Either Parent may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for modification of any term of this Plan upon the requisite showing under applicable state law.