Imagine a future where co-parenting doesn’t mean constant conflict. Picture a holiday season without arguments over the schedule and a school year where big decisions are made calmly and predictably. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s the stable reality a strong parenting plan can create.
A parenting plan is more than just a legal requirement; it’s the blueprint for your children’s lives post-separation, designed to shield them from turmoil and give you a clear path forward. Many parents, however, struggle with what to include in a parenting plan, fearing that one missed detail could lead to years of disputes. Let’s build a better blueprint together.
How to Make a Parenting Plan: The Parenting Plan Checklist
Colorado law sets forth specific requirements for how to make a parenting plan, whether you and the other parent agree on the terms or the court has to decide for you. The ultimate goal is to serve the best interests of the child. A thorough parenting plan checklist should address several key areas to minimize future disagreements and provide a clear roadmap for both parents.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
This is the cornerstone of your parenting plan and one of the most significant things to include in a parenting plan for your children. Colorado law requires the plan to specify whether significant decisions will be made jointly by both parents or solely by one. These decisions typically include:
- Non-emergency healthcare—covers everything from selecting a pediatrician to determining the best medical treatments;
- Education—includes choices about schooling, tutoring, and other educational matters; and
- Religious upbringing—your plan should outline how decisions regarding the children’s religious life will be made.
The plan must establish a framework for how parents will communicate with each other and make these critical decisions for their children’s welfare.
Parenting Time Schedule
A detailed parenting schedule is essential for providing children with consistency and routine. The plan must include a specific, written schedule that clearly states:
- Regular parenting time—when the children will be with each parent during a typical week or month;
- Holiday parenting time—a schedule for major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah, which often supersedes the regular schedule; and
- Vacation parenting time—guidelines for how and when each parent can schedule vacation time with the children, including any notice requirements.
This schedule should be practical and account for the children’s ages, developmental needs, and school schedules. Having this documented helps prevent misunderstandings about who the children are supposed to be with and when.
Transportation and Exchanges
Logistics are a common source of friction between co-parents. A parenting plan should proactively address how children will travel between the parents’ homes. Consider including details such as:
- Designated exchange locations—a neutral place for exchanges, like the children’s school or a public library;
- Responsibility for transportation—which parent is responsible for picking up or dropping off the children; and
- Timing of exchanges—the specific times that exchanges will occur to avoid misunderstanding and confusion.
Clarifying these details in writing can significantly reduce stress and potential conflict during exchanges.
Communication Protocols
Clear and respectful communication is vital for successful co-parenting. The plan must dictate how parents will communicate about the children. This section should outline:
- Methods of communication—whether you will use a co-parenting app, email, text messages, or phone calls;
- Frequency of communication—how often parents should expect to communicate about routine matters; and
- Access to records—a provision ensuring both parents have access to important school and medical records.
Setting these expectations helps ensure that both parents remain informed and involved in their children’s lives without unnecessary disputes over how and when information is shared.
Resolving Future Disagreements
Even the most detailed plan cannot anticipate every future issue. Colorado law requires that your parenting plan include a process for resolving future disputes. This might involve:
- Mediation—agreeing to attend mediation with a neutral third party before returning to court, or
- Parenting coordinator/decision-maker—appointing a professional to help resolve disagreements or make decisions when parents are at an impasse.
Including a dispute resolution method demonstrates a commitment to resolving conflicts amicably and can save significant time, money, and emotional strain in the long run. It’s an essential part of what to include in a parenting plan.
What I Wish I Put in My Parenting Plan: Additional Considerations
While the law mandates certain elements, a truly effective parenting plan often goes beyond the basics. Thinking ahead about potential issues can make your plan more durable and less prone to conflict. Other items you might consider adding include:
- Relocation. What happens if one parent wants to move a significant distance away?
- Extracurricular activities. How will decisions about sports, lessons, and other activities be made and paid for?
- New partners. How will you introduce new romantic partners to children?
- Travel. What rules will you have for out-of-state or international travel with children?
Addressing these topics upfront can provide clarity and prevent future court battles as your family’s circumstances evolve. Thinking through what to include in a parenting plan now can save you stress later.
Our Dedication to Colorado Families
Since 1999, the team at Plog & Stein P.C. has dedicated itself exclusively to Colorado family law. Our firm is built on a team approach, meaning your case benefits from the collective insights and experience of our attorneys and paralegals. Having litigated thousands of hearings in courtrooms across the Denver metro area, including those in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, we bring a calculated and strategic mindset to every case. We understand that readiness for trial is key, but we also recognize that a dignified resolution can often be found through skilled negotiation. This dual focus enables us to help you figure out how to set up a parenting plan.
We Can Help You Determine What to Include in a Parenting Plan Today
A blank page in a parenting plan can feel like a map with no roads, leaving your children’s future uncertain. Let’s fill that page with clarity and purpose. Instead of worrying about what you might be missing, take decisive action. Contact our office or complete our online form today to schedule a consultation and provide your family with the stable foundation it deserves to move forward.
