Parenting Plans are often a document we talk about with parents in mediation.  We are often asked questions such as

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Q: What exactly is a parenting plan, and do we really need one?
A: A parenting plan is a written agreement about day‑to‑day care which will often include where the children live, how time is shared, holidays, school decisions, and how you’ll communicate as parents. It gives you both something clear to fall back on when things get tense, it can be adjusted over time as the children grow.

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Q: How is a parenting plan different from a court order?
A: A parenting plan is something you design together, usually in mediation, and it can stay flexible as circumstances change. A court order is imposed by a judge and is harder and more expensive to change if life moves on.  A parenting plan cannot be enforced by the court in the way a court order can, but is evidence a judge will look at if court applications are made in the future.

Q: What should we bring to mediation to work on a parenting plan?
A: It helps to bring school calendars, work rotas, the children’s activity schedules, and your ideas for a weekly and holiday routine. Coming in with an idea of options that could work makes it easier to start from “something on paper” instead of abstracts.

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For parents attening mediation to discuss their parenting plan you are likely to be eligible for a £500 governmant voucher to help towards the costs of joint mediation meetings.

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If you would like to discuss how mediation might be able to help you or someone you know, call us on 0800 206 2258 or email us at hello@familymandm.co.uk. You can also book a free call via our website at www.familymediationandmentoring.co.uk

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