What They Cover and How to Make One That Actually Works
When parents separate or divorce, day-to-day life continues to move forward. School drop-offs, homework, activities, and bedtime routines still have to happen. A parenting plan creates structure during a time that can feel uncertain. It outlines schedules, responsibilities, and decision-making so both parents understand what to expect, and kids can maintain stability.
In Massachusetts, parenting plans are used in divorce and custody matters, including cases involving unmarried parents. The strongest plans are clear, realistic, and focused on the child’s best interests.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a written agreement or court order that explains how parents will share time with their child and how they’ll make important decisions. It typically covers:
- The weekly schedule and exchanges
- Holiday and vacation time
- Decision-making for school and medical care
- Communication rules between parents
- Logistics like transportation and extracurricular activities
A good plan reduces misunderstandings. A vague plan often leads to repeated conflict because each parent interprets the same language differently.
The Core Sections Most Parenting Plans Include
1. The Weekly Schedule
This section lays out where the child will be on school days, weekends, and non-school days. Strong plans clearly state:
- Start and end times for parenting time
- Exchange locations (often school or daycare when possible)
- Transportation responsibilities (who picks up, who drops off)
The “best” schedule is the one that supports the child’s routine and that parents can realistically follow.
2. Decision-Making
Parenting plans should explain how parents will make major decisions, such as:
- Education (school choice, tutoring, IEP/504 plans)
- Medical care (routine visits, specialists, therapy)
- Extracurricular commitments
3. Holidays and Vacations
Holiday schedules are one of the most common sources of disagreements, so detail matters. Plans often address:
- Major holidays and long weekends
- School vacation weeks (winter and spring break)
- Summer vacation and travel rules
It helps to include deadlines for choosing summer vacation weeks and notice requirements for travel.
4. Communication Rules
Clear communication guidelines can prevent conflict. Many plans specify:
- The primary communication method (email, text, or a co-parenting app)
- Expected response times
- A rule to keep messages child-focused and respectful
Some families also include guidelines for the child’s calls or video chats with the other parent during parenting time.
5. Activities and Costs
Extracurriculars can cause issues if one parent signs a child up without considering the other parent’s schedule or budget. Consider clarifying:
- Whether both parents must agree to new activities
- How schedules are shared
- How costs are divided
- Who handles transportation to practices and games
The Details Parents Often Forget (But Should Not)
Even solid plans can fall apart if they do not address real-life scenarios. Consider including:
- Sick days and snow days: who stays home, how exchanges work if school is closed
- Make-up time: what happens if parenting time is missed
- Right of first refusal: whether a parent must offer the other parent childcare time before using a sitter (and the time threshold)
- Travel and passports: notice requirements, sharing itineraries, international travel consent
- Dispute resolution: a step-by-step process, like written communication first, then mediation before returning to court.
These sections can feel overly detailed, but they are often what prevents future conflict.
How to Make a Plan That Works in Real Life
A parenting plan is only helpful if it can be followed consistently. Three guidelines matter most:
- Be specific. Avoid vague phrases like “as agreed” without a default rule.
- Be realistic. Work schedules and transportation limits should be reflected in the plan.
- Plan for change. Kids’ needs evolve. Some families include a plan review date each school year.
When a Parenting Plan Should Be Updated
You may need to revisit a parenting plan when there is a major change, like a new work schedule, a move, shifting school needs, or ongoing conflict that the current plan does not address.
If you are creating a parenting plan for the first time or modifying an existing one, legal guidance can help you understand your options and avoid vague language that leads to disputes later.
Need help with a parenting plan in Massachusetts? Fleischer Law Solutions can help you create a clear, workable plan that supports your child’s best interests. Contact Us.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.