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Parenting Plans

parenting plan divorce bc

Navigating Co - Parenting with Confidence and Clarity

Our divorce mediation services offer a supportive and collaborative approach to help create a Parenting Plan or Divorce Agreement that addresses the best interests of the children of separated or divorced families. 
We know that your children are your top priority, and we will work with you to ensure that this process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for them.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan serves as a road map for separated or divorced families in BC. This document outlines custody and visitation agreements and provides guidelines for making decisions regarding the children’s upbringing.
Divorce is often one of the most stressful times in a child’s life, and a well-crafted Parenting Plan ensures that the children’s best interests are met by promoting cooperation, consistency, and the security of predictability. 
While the specific contents of each plan in British Columbia may vary depending on the needs and circumstances of the family, some common elements typically included in the plan are:

Custody Arrangements
01
The plan specifies whether custody is joint (shared) or sole (one parent has primary custody) and outlines the schedule for when the children will spend time with each parent.
Visitation Schedule
02
The specific days and times that the children will spend with each parent, including holidays, weekends, and vacations are also included in the plan.
Decision-Making Authority
03
Upon separation or divorce, there might be conflict over how major decisions affecting the children's well-being will be made, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. The plan will specify exactly how these decisions should be made.
Communication Guidelines
04
The plan can also include an outline of how parents will communicate with each other regarding the children, including methods of communication (e.g., phone, email, text) and frequency of communication.
Dispute Resolution Process
05
It’s important to document a method for resolving conflicts or disagreements that may arise between parents, such as mediation or arbitration.
Child Support
06
The financial support arrangements for the children, including the amount of child support payments and how expenses such as healthcare, education, and childcare will be divided between the parents must be included. This could also be included in the separation agreement.
Transportation and Exchange of Children
07
This part of the plan will address how the children will be transported between parents' homes for visitation exchanges and outlines any specific arrangements or protocols for transportation.
Relocation Restrictions
08
The plan will also specify any restrictions or requirements regarding either parent's ability to relocate with the children, including notification requirements and factors to consider when evaluating relocation requests.
Parental Responsibilities
09
Each parent's responsibilities for caring for the children can be outlined in the parenting plan, including daily care, transportation, participation in school and extracurricular activities, and other parental duties.
Flexibility and Modifications
10
You can also choose to include provisions for modifying the parenting plan in the future if circumstances change, such as changes in work schedules, relocation, or the children's needs.
Emergency Contact Information
11
The plan will include emergency contact information for each parent and any other relevant parties, such as doctors or childcare providers.
Holiday and Special Occasions
12
It’s important to also consider and specify how holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions will be shared between parents, including provisions for alternating or shared celebrations.

A Parenting Plan is the fastest way to create long-term stability and security for your children. It takes into account the best interests of each child’s unique needs and circumstances. Well-planned custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities allow your family to move forward with the least amount of conflict and disruption to your children’s lives.

Parenting Plans vs. Separation Agreements

Separation agreements and parenting plans serve different purposes and address different aspects of the process. A parenting plan’s primary focus is on the custody and visitation arrangements for the children. In contrast, a custody agreement outlines the condition of the divorce or separation of the adult parties. Here’s a deeper dive into the differences.

Content Content

● Separation Agreement: A separation agreement typically includes provisions related to property division, spousal support, child support, and other financial matters. It may also address issues such as insurance coverage, tax considerations, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

● Parenting Plan: A parenting plan focuses on child custody and visitation arrangements, detailing the custody schedule, visitation schedule, decision-making authority, communication guidelines, and dispute resolution process related to the children.

Legal Nature Legal Nature

● Separation Agreement: A separation agreement is a legally binding contract between the parties involved in the separation. Once signed, it is enforceable by law and typically filed with the court as part of the divorce proceedings.

● Parenting Plan: While a parenting plan may also be a legally binding document if approved by the court, its primary purpose is to establish custody and visitation arrangements for the children. It may be included as part of a court order or divorce decree.

Ready to
Learn More?

If you’re ready to take the next step toward an easy divorce or legal separation in British Columbia and move forward with your life, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an online consultation call and discover how divorce mediation can pave the way for a brighter future for you and your family.

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Easy Way Divorce Mediation

Kelowna Office

  • 401 Glenmore Rd # 201
    Kelowna, BC, V1V, 1Z6

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  • 997 Seymour St. #250
    Vancouver, BC, V6B 3M1
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