Sample parenting plan

Key components of a parenting plan

• Care and contact arrangements: with whom do the children stay on which days?
• Financial agreements: how are costs divided and how is child maintenance determined?
• School and care: who decides on education, medical care, and important choices?
• Holidays and special occasions: how are holidays and special days divided?
• Communication between parents: how are decisions made and conflicts avoided?

A sample plan helps you discuss all these points. It often turns out that after filling it in, parents have new questions about the legal implications or feasibility of their agreements.

Why a standard sample never fits perfectly

Although many sample plans can be found online, the court always assesses whether the plan is appropriate for the family and in the best interests of the children.
Depending on the circumstances, the judge may ask questions about practical feasibility, the involvement of both parents, and the financial substantiation.

Therefore, it is important to:

• use a sample only as a guideline,
• check agreements against legal requirements,
• and seek legal advice before the plan is submitted.

At Simmelink Lawyers, we regularly review draft parenting plans and help parents formulate agreements that are legally sound.

How does the process work?

1. Orientation and filling out the sample

You can fill out the form on this page. You will then receive a sample plan with an explanation for each section. This will give you insight into what is required.

2. Assessment and explanation

Our lawyers will work with you to determine which parts require customization, for example, in the case of varying working hours or international situations.

3. Recording agreements

After consultation, the plan can be finalized and, if desired, submitted to the court as part of the divorce petition.

4. Assessment by the court

The judge assesses whether the agreements are diligent and in the best interests of the children. Plans that were created through mutual consultation are often approved without modification.

Scenarios in practice

Consultation and mediation

Many parents use a sample plan during mediation. It helps to structure topics without immediately discussing amounts or days. The mediator ensures balance and diligence.

Legal proceedings

If consultation is unsuccessful, the sample plan can serve as a starting point. The judge can discuss the components and indicate which points require further explanation or evidence.

International situation

If one parent lives abroad, additional rules regarding jurisdiction and applicable law (Brussels II-ter) apply. A sample plan can still provide guidance, but it must be legally adapted to the international context.

Practical examples

• Joint completion for co-parenting
  In one case, we assisted parents who both worked four days a week. Using a sample plan, they created a balanced weekly schedule and clear agreements on communication via a shared calendar.
• Coordination for different schools
  A client couple had children at two primary schools in different locations. We helped them adapt the plan so that both parents remained involved in school choices and parent-teacher meetings.
• International agreements on holidays
  In an international case, agreements were made regarding summer holidays in two countries. With a modified sample plan, both parents were able to plan their summers without legal risks.

What is in this parenting plan?

In this sample parenting plan, we have included the following topics:

• Parental authority
• The primary residence of child(ren).
• Agreeing who gets to make what decisions
• Recipient of child support, child-related benefits, etc.
• Legal liability
• Management of the identity card or passport
• Which parent pays for health insurance
• Agreements on daily care
• School-related arrangements such as school choice and attendance at parents’ evenings
• Medical matters
• The division of care and parenting tasks.
• Fulfilling parenthood in a broad sense
• The cost of care and education