Child Arrangements Agreement — Word & PDF Template

This child arrangements agreement, or parenting plan, helps separated or divorcing parents record how they will care for their children. It sets out living arrangements, contact and key day-to-day decisions to give children stability and reduce conflict.

Who is this template for?

It is intended for separated or divorcing parents and carers in England and Wales who want to agree arrangements for their children without going to court. Use it as a clear, written record of what has been agreed between the parents.

What does the template include?

The plan is organised into clearly numbered sections covering the children’s care:

• Important notice — explains that it is a voluntary agreement that is not legally binding in itself, that courts may take it into account, and that a Child Arrangements Order can be sought if agreement fails.
• The parents / carers — identifies those involved.
• The child / children — details of the children.
• Parental responsibility — who holds it, with a note that it is not automatic for every parent.
• Living arrangements (residence) — where the children live.
• Contact and time with each parent — the contact schedule.
• Handover arrangements — how handovers work.
• Communication between parents — how parents will communicate.
• Communication with the children — contact between visits.
• Education — schooling decisions.
• Health and medical care — health decisions.
• International travel — no travel outside the United Kingdom without the other parent’s written agreement.
• Child maintenance — a tick box for a separate agreement or the Child Maintenance Service, with space for the agreed amount.
• Review of this plan — revisiting arrangements.
• Commitments — the parents’ shared commitments.
• Signatures — execution by the parents.

Easy to customise

The template works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice. Fill in the highlighted fields, set out the arrangements that suit your family and remove anything that does not apply.

Format and scope

Supplied as an editable Word (.docx) file and a PDF, formatted to A4. Written in plain British English with light, general references to England & Wales family law.