parenting plans
Why do we need a parenting plan (PP)?
When a couple with children decide to part ways, questions about the children, their accommodation, their education, their medical needs and their various living expenses arise. These, and many other questions are very important to consider as the couple, whether married or unmarried, find their way in their newly minted single roles.
Due to the heightened aggravation, the issues that caused the split or the emotional upheaval, parents sometimes find making decisions in the best interest of their children very difficult. Mediation stands in this gap, offering parents an opportunity to work out what will cause the least harm and disruption to their children’s lives, in a safe environment, guided by a professional mediator.
Despite people’s best intentions, children can be, and frequently are, damaged by the actions of their parents during and after the divorce.
The process of drafting a parenting plan is summarised in the diagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need a parenting plan if we are not married?
A parenting plan provides structure, format and guidance in the parental interaction with their children. Relationships in or out of marriage can become complicated, and emotion sometimes overtakes logic. This is when the plan is crucial for both parents to have access and to exercise their rights and responsibilities regarding their children.
Why must the plan be endorsed by the Family Advocate?
The FA acts as a statutory body and provides guidelines and oversight to ensure that the principle of Best Interest of the Child has been applied.
What if my child has special needs?
Considerations in Parenting Plans for Children with Special Needs (Including ADHD)
Children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other neurodevelopmental or special needs conditions require structured, consistent, and stable environments to support optimal functioning and emotional regulation. According to clinical psychologist Lenmarie Stanton (personal communication, 2025), ADHD-affected children benefit significantly from predictable routines, consistent caregiving, and minimal disruptions to their home or school settings. Frequent relocations or unstable caregiving arrangements can exacerbate behavioural and emotional dysregulation, impede treatment adherence, and heighten anxiety levels. This is consistent with research demonstrating that stability and structure are critical to maintaining developmental progress in children with ADHD and other special educational needs (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2019; Barkley, 2022).
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Thoughtful, child-focused plans that support stability and healthy co-parenting — keeping your child's needs at the heart of every decision.
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Ongoing support to help co-parents manage conflict, implement agreements, and keep the focus firmly on the child's wellbeing.
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