Co-Parenting Tips: Creating a Parenting Plan That Works

Holiday schedules, birthday parties, and everyday decision-making become that much harder when you are separated. In fact, divorces can be even more difficult when there are children involved—even in the most amicable situations.

Misunderstandings and poor communication can quickly lead to escalating tensions. But the good news is that you can avoid all of this with a well-structured, thoughtful parenting plan. A plan that puts your children’s best interests in a healthy environment comes first.

That’s why at Lyons Bowe Solicitors we encourage all our clients to create a co-parenting plan that works for everyone involved or adjust their existing arrangement for a better outcome. Below, we share our expert tips to help you get started.

Piece of Paper, Peace of Mind

The phrase “just a piece of paper” couldn’t be more wrong in this context. In co-parenting, that piece of paper is far from trivial. It’s a much-needed blueprint for co-parenting success. It’s a carefully crafted guide designed to help you and your ex-partner navigate the complexities of raising children separately. All while keeping their best interests at the heart of every decision.

This written agreement outlines your shared responsibilities and clarifies the decision-making process. It sets clear expectations for living arrangements, education, holiday schedules, and more. It gives you clarity, confidence, and a proactive way to mediate potential conflicts before they arise. So, no, it’s not just a piece of paper—it’s peace of mind.

Figuring out the Who, When, and Where

Co-parenting is all about creating a structure that works for your child. But let’s face it, figuring out the finer details can lead to more distress.

Who decides what? When will your child be with each parent? And how do you handle the financial and emotional challenges that come with shared parenting?

In our expert opinion, the best way to tackle co-parenting is to take it step-by-step. Start with the essentials and build from there, with room to adapt and change as your child grows.

Deciding on Living Arrangements

One of the most contentious issues of any co-parenting setup is finalising living arrangements. A plan that keeps all parties happy. But more often than not, the child’s best interests are not taken into consideration because emotionally charged parents take over the process.

This is the foundation and it is important that you get it right. You and your ex-partner need to come to a cordial agreement in writing about weekdays, weekends and holidays. Whether that is a 50/50 or a 70/30 split, you need to remember that your child or children needs stability more than anything.

Keeping Communication Open

Open lines of communication is essential to your child’s wellbeing. By establishing how and when this takes place between both parents, you can prevent any misunderstandings in the future.

A parenting plan can stipulate that both parents will be using either email, text or a co-parenting app like OurFamilyWizard to communicate. It is also helpful in setting and stating boundaries, so that conversations are focused only on the children.

Additionally, with open communication terms set out in the parenting plan, you can clarify how often both parties should check about school updates or health issues related to the child.

Dividing Up Financials

Money can be another source of incredible tension between both parents. But with a parenting plan in place, you both can clarify who is financially responsible.

This can include school fees, extracurricular activities, spending money and so forth. You should also make provision for unexpected expenses, such as a hospital visit, school trip or outing with friends. The Child Maintenance Service will calculate contributions, but your plan can offer more guidance on other costs that can come up.

Making Decisions

There will be times in your child’s life when major decisions require input from both parents. Setting clear guidelines on who decides what can help prevent future conflicts. To minimise disagreements, it is important to establish who has the final say on daily decisions.

Can one parent make these calls alone, or should both be involved? Do routine matters, like bedtime schedules, need joint approval? In medical emergencies, is one parent’s decision enough? By defining roles early on, you can reduce conflict and keep your child’s needs at the centre without unnecessary stress.

Resolving Conflict

Even with the best intentions, disagreements can still happen. That is why it helps to include a plan for resolving conflicts in your parenting agreement. Mediation, regular check-ins, or involving family solicitors can make it easier to handle disputes calmly and constructively. Setting up regular reviews of your parenting plan can also help you adapt to any changes in your child’s needs or circumstances, keeping the arrangement fair and practical for everyone involved.

Let Lyons Bowe Solicitors Simplify Co-Parenting For You

Creating a healthy environment where your child or children can thrive is the top priority of any parenting plan. Their needs should always come first, which is why respectful communication and sticking to the co-parenting plan are so important.

At Lyons Bowe Solicitors, our experienced team is here to help you create or adjust a parenting plan that suits your unique situation. We’re here to help you prioritise your child above all else.

Get in touch with us today, and let’s work together to build a parenting plan that puts your children first.

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