Free Parenting Plan Step 1 of 14 7% Section 1: Basic InformationQ1: Parent 1 - Full NameQ2: Parent 2 - Full NameQ3: How would you like to be referred to in this plan? Mum and Dad Mummy and Daddy Mum and Mum Dad and Dad Other Q4: Child/Children's Details Child 1 NameAge/Date of BirthChild 2 NameAge/Date of BirthChild 3 NameAge/Date of Birth Section 2: Living Arrangements (Term Time)Q5: During school term time, where will the child/children primarily live? Primarily with Parent 1 Primarily with Parent 2 Shared equally between both parents Other OtherWeek 1 - Where will the child(ren) stay overnight?Monday Parent 1 Parent 2 Tuesday Parent 1 Parent 2 Wednesday Parent 1 Parent 2 Thursday Parent 1 Parent 2 Friday Parent 1 Parent 2 Saturday Parent 1 Parent 2 Sunday Parent 1 Parent 2 Q7: Weekly Schedule - Week 2 (Term Time) Same as Week 1 Different schedule (please complete below): Week 2 - Where will the child(ren) stay overnight?Monday Parent 1 Parent 2 Tuesday Parent 1 Parent 2 Wednesday Parent 1 Parent 2 Thursday Parent 1 Parent 2 Friday Parent 1 Parent 2 Saturday Parent 1 Parent 2 Sunday Parent 1 Parent 2 Section 3: Living Arrangements (School Holidays)Q8: During school holidays, will the living arrangements be different? Same as term time Different arrangement (please describe): Alternate holidays between parents Split each holiday period equally Different arrangement (please describe): Section 4: Special Occasions & HolidaysQ9: Child's Birthday Alternate years between parents Child spends the day with both parents Child stays with parent whose scheduled day it is Other arrangement Not relevant Other arrangement:Q10: Parent 1's Birthday Child spends time with Parent 1 Follows normal schedule Other arrangement Not relevant Other arrangementQ11: Parent 2's Birthday Child spends time with Parent 2 Follows normal schedule Other arrangement Not relevant Other arrangementQ12: Siblings' and Step-siblings' Birthdays Child attends if possible Follows normal schedule Decided case by case Other arrangement Not relevant Other arrangementQ13: Christmas & New Year Alternate years (Year 1: Parent 1 has Christmas, Parent 2 has New Year, then swap) Split the holiday period (e.g., Christmas Eve/Day with one parent, Boxing Day onwards with other) Child spends time with both parents Other arrangement Not relevant Other arrangementQ14: Easter Alternate years between parents Split the Easter break Follows normal schedule Other arrangement Not relevant Other arrangementQ15: Other Religious Festivals (please specify which and arrangements)Q16: Other Special Occasions (e.g., Mother's Day, Father's Day, family weddings) Section 5: EducationQ17: How will decisions about choosing a school be made? Joint decision, both parents must agree Parent 1 decides after consulting Parent 2 Parent 2 decides after consulting Parent 1 Other arrangement Other arrangementQ18: How will you arrange for school reports and updates? Both parents receive copies directly from school One parent receives and shares with the other Both parents registered with school for online access Other arrangement Other arrangementQ19: How will you attend parents' evenings? Both parents attend together Parents attend separately (separate appointments) Alternate between parents Other arrangement Other arrangementQ20: How will you attend school events (sports day, nativity, open days, etc.)? Both parents attend when possible Parents inform each other and attend as available Alternate events between parents Other arrangement Other arrangement Section 6: HealthcareQ21: How will healthcare decisions be made? Joint decision for major healthcare issues Parent with child at the time makes routine decisions One parent makes all healthcare decisions after consulting the other Other arrangement: Other arrangementQ22: How will you share medical information? Both parents registered with GP Parent attending appointment informs the other Shared medical diary/app Other arrangement Other arrangement Section 7: Communication Between ParentsQ23: How will you communicate about the children? Phone calls Text messages WhatsApp Email Parenting app (e.g., OurFamilyWizard, Coparently) Communication book/diary Other Section 8: Financial ArrangementsQ24: How will everyday costs be covered? Through child maintenance payments Through spousal maintenance Through both child and spousal maintenance Shared equally between parents Other arrangement Other arrangementQ25: How will one-off costs be handled? (e.g., school trips, uniform, electronics) Shared equally between parents Split proportionally based on income Covered by the parent who agrees to the expense Included in maintenance payments Other arrangement Other arrangementFor information on child maintenance, please visit the government calculator Section 9: Practical ArrangementsQ26: How will you handle changes to the agreed schedule? Give at least [number] days' notice Discuss and agree together Be flexible when possible Other arrangement Other arrangementNumber of days' noticeQ27: If one parent cannot care for the child during their scheduled time, will the other parent be the first choice for cover? Yes, always offer to the other parent first When practical and convenient Not necessarily Other arrangement Other arrangementQ28: How will you arrange pick-ups and drop-offs? Parent ending time does drop-off to parent starting time Parent starting time does pick-up from parent ending time Meet halfway Varies depending on circumstances Other arrangement Other arrangementQ29: Location for handovers: Parent 1's home Parent 2's home School/nursery Neutral location (please specify) Other arrangement Neutral locationOther arrangementQ30: How will you arrange for the child to see grandparents, siblings, or other important people? Each parent arranges during their time with the child Coordinate together to ensure regular contact Set specific times for extended family Other arrangement Other arrangementQ31: How will you introduce a new partner to the child? Inform the other parent before introduction Wait at least [timeframe] before introducing new partners Introduce gradually and sensitively Discuss together before any introduction Other arrangement: TimeframeOther arrangementQ32: How will you handle holidays or trips within the UK? Inform other parent of dates and location Provide contact details and itinerary Get agreement from other parent first Other arrangement Other arrangementQ33: How will you arrange holidays abroad? Both parents must agree in advance Provide full itinerary, contact details, and accommodation Ensure all necessary documents (passport, letter of consent) are in place Other arrangement Other arrangementQ34: Do you need to agree on any combined religious practice or upbringing? Yes (please describe) No Not relevant Describe Section 10: About Your Child35: Tell us about your child - what do they enjoyWhat does your child like doing, eating, watching, or playing? Section 11: Practical Day-to-DayQ36: How will you handle changeover of school uniform, bags, and homework? Child takes everything they need for the week Each parent keeps a set of essentials School bag and uniform travel with the child Other arrangement Other arrangementQ37: How do you wish to discipline the child? Use consistent approach across both homes Each parent uses their own approach Discuss serious disciplinary issues together Other arrangement Other arrangement:Q38: Are there any rules that are important the child follows in both homes?E.g., homework before screen time, bedtime routines, etc. Section 12: Disagreement ResolutionQ39: How will you handle disagreements about the children? Calm discussion between parents Mediation (such as through Mediate UK) Involve a trusted third party (e.g., family member, counsellor) Other arrangement Other arrangementThe government's voucher scheme covers up to £500 for mediation if you have a parenting dispute. Find out more at Mediate UK Section 13: Core Principles & AgreementsPlease tick to confirm you both agree to the following:(Required) The child's wishes and feelings will be the main consideration in all decisions The child's wishes will be given more weight as they get older Both parents will encourage a positive relationship between the child and the other parent Both parents will avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child Both parents will keep each other informed about important matters affecting the child Both parents will be flexible and cooperative when changes are needed Both parents will prioritise the child's wellbeing above their own differences Section 14: Additional AgreementsQ40: Are there any other agreements or arrangements you'd like to include? Trustpilot
