How do you write a parenting plan?

parenting plan ontario
  • Parenting Plan aka Custody agreement, aka Parenting Provisions, aka Child Arrangements

  • March 2021 Reformed Divorce Act – removed words: Custody, Visitation and Access.

  • A Parenting Plan has more flexibility than a traditional parenting schedule.

  • If you have conflicts around your parenting then mediation and arbitration are some great out-of-court options.

  • With a parenting plan you have complete control, not stuck with a Judge’s decision.

  • Critical to know how divorce impacts children and what you can do to minimize the sting.

  • Children who have two involved parents fare better than other children.

  • Your job as a parent should be to shield your child from this pain as much as possible.

What are the components of a parenting plan?

Common reactions to divorce include the following:

  • Temper tantrums and frequent expressions of anger

  • Anxiety

  • Nightmares and difficulty sleeping

  • Shyness

  • Changes in energy level

  • Frequent crying and depression

  • Regressing to an earlier developmental stage (e.g., “forgetting” potty training)

How to write a parenting plan

Parenting Plan Tool

How a Parenting Plan Benefit Parents

You might be tempted to duke it out in court with your ex for months or even years, but a parenting plan is a much wiser strategy that protects everyone’s well-being. Indeed, a parenting plan may be the best gift you can give yourself.

Parenting Plans are in the best interest of the children

When you make financial, “custody” and other divorce decisions, the well-being of your children should be the first thing on your mind. More than half of children whose parents get embroiled in “custody” battles develop depression, but a parenting plan can save them from this misery. Your child can rest easy, with complete security that she’ll have substantive time with both parents.

Resolving Conflicts

Even parents with the best intentions occasionally can’t resolve a parenting issue. But it’s unfair to your children when you and your ex are perpetually fighting about the same thing. You have a few different options when one parent violates the agreement, when you can’t agree about what to put in the parenting plan, or when you want to change the plan but your ex doesn’t.

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We help smart and successful separating couples create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs.

Have Any Questions?

Contact Information
Ken S, Maynard CDFA
1.855.731.3500
647.360.3200

Divorce Advice
About the Author:
Ken Maynard CDFA, Acc.FM

I help smart and successful couples, create separation agreements with clarity and soft landings for secure futures, in 4 meetings or less without all the lawyer created overwhelming conflicts, confusion and costs. You can work with me by video conference or with a DTSW associate at any of our 6 DTSW Greater Toronto mediation centers, including | Aurora | Barrie | North York | Vaughan | Mississauga | Scarborough.

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