Parenting Plan Download

Content

Introduction

Parenting plans are essential for smooth co-parenting relationships after divorce.

There is no required format for a parenting plan, parents are free to select any written format suited to their family.

The topics in a parenting plan are not entirely unrestricted. The Dutch government has established some minimum standards that must be adhered to during the implementation process. A parenting plan should clearly outline the following:

– The involvement of the children in the creation of the parenting plan
– Whether there is a care or visitation arrangement in place
– The obligation to provide information
– The process for making decisions on significant matters
– Child support considerations (see also capacity for payment calculations)

Parents are permitted to enhance a parenting plan with additional provisions.
We’ve made a comprehensive list for you in our previous blog post.

 

Our Tip:

It can be challenging to visualize the structure of a parenting plan since it doesn’t have a set format. To help you get started, we’ve put together a sample parenting plan that you can use as a guide.

At the end of this post, you can download the wording in MS Word format

Focus on including all the important details and skip over anything that doesn’t add value. Keep your plan simple and aligned with your particular circumstances.

Sample text for a parenting plan

PARENTING PLAN

 

The undersigned parties: …………………………., BSN:…………………………….., born in …………………………….., on ………………………………, currently residing at (………………………………) ………………………, hereinafter referred to as “the father.”

 

…………………………., BSN:…………………………….., born in …………………………….., on ………………………………, currently residing at (………………………………) ………………………, hereinafter referred to as “the mother.”

 

Collectively referred to as “we.”

 

WHEREAS: * We are legally married to each other under full community of property since …………………. in ……………………………. * From this marriage, we have one child, who is still a minor: – …………………………….., BSN: …………………, born in …………………., on ……………………. *

 

We both believe that our marriage has irreparably broken down, which has led us to submit a joint request for divorce to the Family Law sector of the court located at ………………….. *

In preparation for this request, we have consulted with one another and agreed to document the implications of the divorce for our child in this parenting plan, which will be attached to and form an integral part of the divorce agreement.

HEREBY DECLARE OUR AGREEMENT:

Article 1

We have detailed below our intentions regarding joint parental authority and related matters following our separation. We involved ……………………. in the formulation of this plan by discussing it with him and reviewing Funda together. The father is currently residing elsewhere. This parenting plan is effectively in place.

 

 

Article 2: Parental Authority

 

It is deemed to be in the best interest of our child that we maintain joint parental authority following the divorce, which aligns with the presumption established by the legislator. We both recognize and affirm the legal implications of parental authority, including being the legal representatives and bearing responsibility for the upbringing and care of our minor children.

 

Article 3: Main Residence

 

3.1. ……………………. will reside with the mother, who is also listed at that address in the municipal population register. This arrangement will also allow the mother to benefit from child support and related financial provisions.

 

3.2. The mother will ensure that ……………………. is covered under her liability insurance policy and will provide the other parent with a copy of the current policy documentation.

 

3.3 The father shall maintain health insurance coverage for ……………………. and shall provide the other parent with a copy of the current policy documentation.

 

Article 4: Allocation of Expenses for Care, Upbringing, Living, and Education

 

4.1 We have conducted a calculation in accordance with the TREMA Standards and have established agreements regarding our parental contributions based on need and financial capacity. The specific terms of these agreements are detailed in the divorce agreement we have executed, of which this parenting plan serves as an annex.

4.2 We will maintain the following accounts for …………………….:

4.3 We will jointly oversee the accounts. We explicitly affirm that the funds are designated solely for the individual in whose name the accounts are held and will be utilized exclusively for the benefit of this child.

 

Article 5: Visitation

 

Considering the age of ……………………., the visitation rights between the father and ……………………. will be determined through mutual agreement between us and ……………………. It is not deemed necessary to include a comprehensive arrangement regarding this matter in this parenting plan. On average, ……………………. will spend one day per week with the father. Arrangements for holidays and other occasions will be made through mutual consultation among the parties involved.

 

Article 6: Obligation to Communicate

 

6.1. We pledge to keep each other informed about important issues and abilities of ……………………. and will engage in discussions regarding decisions that need to be made in this context. We recognize that significant matters include decisions related to educational choices, vocational training, medical treatments and interventions, as well as international travel.

 

6.2. Furthermore, we commit to notifying each other if ……………………. has been involved in situations that may trigger emotional responses for him.

 

Article 7: Relocation Agreement

 

We acknowledge the legal requirements concerning the relocation of ……………………. and understand that mutual consent is necessary to alter the child’s primary residence. In the absence of agreement, either party may petition the court for a resolution. We concur that should one of us wish to relocate with ……………………., we will always engage in prior discussions.

 

 

Article 8: Definition of Parenthood

 

8.1. The designations of father, mother, dad, and mom are exclusively reserved for the biological parent and shall not be assigned to any third party without the explicit consent of the other parent.

 

8.2. Communications concerning the child or any family-related matters or changes will be exchanged directly between us, without the involvement of ……..(insert name of new partners if applicable).

 

8.3. Any communications from new partners regarding the other parent will be coordinated between the two of us, leaving our child out of it.

 

8.4. We shall provide mutual support in our respective roles concerning the child, even in instances where mistakes occur or challenges arise. We will maintain a respectful demeanor towards one another.

 

Article 9: Guideline for Modifying Contact Arrangements

 

9.1. A jointly established agreement shall remain in force until it is superseded by another mutual agreement.

 

9.2. Each party retains the right to propose modifications at any time.

 

9.3. A request for a temporary alteration to the contact schedule does not require justification, provided it pertains to personal matters.

 

9.4. The other party is under no obligation to accept the proposed temporary amendment and may decline without explanation.

 

Article 10: Dispute Resolution

 

10.1. Should we encounter differing views in the future regarding the interpretation or implementation of this agreement, we will strive to resolve the matter through mutual discussion.

 

10.2. If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will seek the assistance of the mediator involved in the development of this parenting plan or another mediator to facilitate resolution through mediation.

 

10.3. If mediation does not yield a satisfactory resolution for both parents, we may seek recourse through the appropriate court.

 

10.4. We acknowledge that mediation is a voluntary process and that this clause does not carry legal enforceability. Nonetheless, we deem it essential to remind ourselves of our intention to reach consensus on these matters in the interest of our child.

 

Article 11: Review, Assessment, and Potential Modification of this Parenting Plan/ Confidentiality

 

This parenting plan may be revised as frequently as necessary, based on mutual consent, including at the request of ……………………. However, the accountability for the specific agreements and their execution continues to rest with us. This parenting plan shall remain confidential, except when utilized in legal proceedings, in accordance with the principles of mediation confidentiality.

Thus agreed, signed and initialed on each page on this the ….th of … 2024 in  Delft.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                               

Name Father                                                                                                   Name Mother

Resources

Here are some links to more information on the topics discussed above,

Remember to use the translate function on your browser if you need to!

https://www.government.nl/topics/divorce-separation-and-ending-a-civil-partnership/arrangements-concerning-the-children/what-is-a-parenting-plan

https://www.juridischloket.nl/familie-en-relatie/ouderschap/ouderschapsplan/

Contact

Is some of this information incomplete or unclear?
Do you have a different question you’d like help with?

We’re specialised in expat divorces and we’re here for you, please write us at info@familymediationdelft.nl

Would you like to try mediation? Send us an email and we’ll set up an appointment for you.

Download our Parenting Plan