Family law
Parenting plan
A document setting out how parents will raise their child after separating: how decisions are made about things like school and health care, and a schedule of time with each parent.[1][2]
In more detail
In Florida, a parenting plan must include a time-sharing schedule and is either agreed by the parents and approved by the court, or set by the court.[1] California's courts explain that a parenting plan holds the custody and visitation orders.[2] Mediation is a common place to work one out.
Varies by state
Required contents and court forms differ by state. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Time-sharing scheduleIn Florida, the timetable in a parenting plan that sets when the child spends time with each parent, including overnights and holidays.
- Shared parental responsibilityIn Florida, a court-ordered arrangement in which both parents keep full parental rights and responsibilities and make major decisions about their child together.
- Parenting coordinatorA neutral professional, appointed by a court or chosen by the parents, who helps them build a parenting plan or make one work.
- Best interests of the childThe standard courts use to decide custody, time-sharing and visitation: what arrangement is best for the child, rather than for either parent.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Parenting plan: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/parenting-plan/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.