A Parenting Plan documents agreements between parents that covers the day-to-day responsibilities of each parent, the practical considerations of a child's daily life, as well as how parents will communicate and consult on long-term decisions for the children.

A Parenting Plan is not legally binding unless you take steps to make it so. It is different from a Parenting Order, which is made by a Court. However, if the matter comes to Court, the Judge will consider the most recent Parenting Plan when making Parenting Orders about children.

If you are both in agreement that you want to make your Parenting Plan legally binding, you can draft and file Consent Orders without the need for a Court hearing. Once approved, Consent Orders have the same legal effect as if they had been made by a Judge.

For more information about Parenting Plans, please visit the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and Family Relationships Online