Family Law Advisors

Parenting Plan

You and your ex-partner have already worked out how you'll parent your kids together. We'll help you put that agreement in writing, clearly and properly, at a fixed price.

Agreeing on the day-to-day of co-parenting is the hard part, and you've already done it. Getting it written down clearly, so there's no confusion or disagreement about the detail later, is largely a matter of good paperwork from here.

What is a parenting plan?

A parenting plan is a written agreement between you and your ex-partner about how you'll parent your children together - where they live, how time is shared, who makes what decisions, and how you'll handle changes down the track. It's dated and signed by both of you, but unlike consent orders, it isn't approved by a court and a court can't directly enforce it on its own. If you want the extra certainty of a court-enforceable arrangement instead, see our consent orders page, or read our full answer on whether a parenting plan is legally binding.

Who a parenting plan suits

A parenting plan suits parents who've already agreed on arrangements for their children and want that agreement written down clearly, without going through the court process. It's a good starting point, and for a lot of families it's enough on its own. If you later want the same arrangement formalised into a legally enforceable court order, we can help with that too - many people move from a parenting plan to consent orders later, or prepare both at the same time.

Sorting out parenting time as well as how child support will work? A parenting plan and a child support agreement are commonly prepared together, since they cover different parts of the same arrangement.

Choose how you'd like this done

Fully prepared, lawyer-reviewed

Fixed price

Confirmed upfront, before you start

We prepare your parenting plan from what you tell us you've agreed. An independent family lawyer in our network reviews it before you both sign.

Get started

DIY Kit

from $149

Template, guide and checklist - no lawyer review included

Prefer to prepare your parenting plan yourselves? Our DIY Kit gives you a template, a worked example and a step-by-step guide, with an easy upgrade to lawyer review later if you want it.

See the DIY Kit

How this works

No long forms up front. The detail comes later, once your parenting plan is actually being prepared.

1

Tell us what's agreed

A couple of lines about your parenting arrangements is enough to start.

2

We prepare your parenting plan

At a fixed price, written clearly so it reflects what you've actually agreed.

3

A family lawyer reviews it

An independent family lawyer in our network checks it over before you both sign.

Scope

A parenting plan is for parents who already agree on arrangements for their children - nothing contested, and nothing being negotiated on the platform's behalf. If there's still something disputed between you, or family violence is involved, this isn't the right product - we'll tell you honestly and point you to a family lawyer who can help properly.

Questions people ask us about parenting plans

Is a parenting plan legally binding?
Not on its own. A parenting plan is a written, dated and signed agreement, but a court can't directly enforce it the way it can a consent order. If you want that extra enforceability, consent orders are the right product. See our full answer on whether a parenting plan is legally binding for more detail.
What's the difference between a parenting plan and consent orders?
A parenting plan is an informal written agreement between you and your ex-partner - no court involvement, and it's not directly enforceable on its own. Consent orders go through the court and become a legally enforceable order once approved. Plenty of people start with a parenting plan and formalise it into consent orders later, or do both at once - see our consent orders page for that option.
Do we need a lawyer to make a parenting plan?
You don't need to hire your own lawyer to negotiate anything, since a parenting plan is for arrangements you've already agreed on. If you choose our fully prepared option, an independent family lawyer in our network reviews the finished plan before you both sign it, so it's properly worded and covers what it needs to.
How much does a parenting plan cost?
Our fully prepared, lawyer-reviewed parenting plan is a fixed price, confirmed upfront before you start - no hourly billing or surprise invoices. If you'd rather prepare it yourselves, our DIY Kit is a cheaper starting point.

Get in touch

Send us your details

Fixed price. Lawyer-reviewed. No drama you don't need.

Tell us what you've agreed and we'll get your parenting plan written up properly.

  • Fixed price
  • Lawyer-reviewed
  • No obligation to proceed