The Kansas Parenting Plan form is a legal document that outlines the custody and parenting time arrangements for children following a divorce or separation. This plan is designed to serve the best interests of the child(ren) involved, ensuring that both parents have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities. To create your own Parenting Plan, click the button below to get started.
The Kansas Parenting Plan form is a vital document designed to outline the responsibilities and rights of parents following a separation or divorce. This plan addresses several key areas, including legal custody, parenting time schedules, and dispute resolution methods. Parents can choose between joint or sole legal custody, ensuring that decisions regarding their children's health and education are made in their best interests. The form also provides a structured parenting time schedule, detailing when each parent will spend time with the children, including holidays and special occasions. Additionally, it includes provisions for military deployment, ensuring that the non-deployed parent accommodates the needs of the deployed parent and maintains communication with the children. Address change notifications and other requirements are also specified to promote transparency and cooperation between parents. Ultimately, the Kansas Parenting Plan aims to create a clear framework that prioritizes the well-being of the children involved.
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ______________________ COUNTY, KANSAS
In the Matter of:
________________________________
(Name of person who filed the Petition)
Case No. _____________________
and
(Name of person who did not file the Petition)
PARENTING PLAN
“Petitioner” means the person who filed the Petition.
“Respondent” means the person who did not file the Petition.
“Parties” means the Petitioner and Respondent.
This Parenting Plan is
temporary permanent.
Proposed by Petitioner
Proposed by Respondent
Agreed by Petitioner and Respondent Developed by the
Court.
After due consideration, the Court enters the following Parenting Plan that serves the child(ren)’s best interests on
this _____ day of ________________________, 20_____:
Section I. GENERAL INFORMATION
This parenting plan applies to the following children:
Full Name of Child
Gender
Birth Date (Month/Yr) and Age
M
F
__________________________
For the purposes of this parenting plan, the following definitions apply:
Parent A is ____________________________________________(insert name), and
Parent B is ____________________________________________(insert name).
Section II. Legal Custody (Decision-Making)
A. Joint Legal Custody. Parents shall have joint legal custody of their minor child(ren). "Joint legal custody" means that both parents have equal rights to participate in, contribute to, and have responsibility for matters
Rev. 12/2016 ©KSJC
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of health and education in their child(ren)'s best interests. Neither parent's rights are superior to the other parent's rights, and they should cooperate to determine what is in their children’s best interests.
B. Sole Legal Custody. Joint legal custody is not in the child(ren)’s best interests. “Sole legal custody” means that the parent granted sole legal custody has the primary right to decide matters of health and education in the child(ren)'s best interests. The parent not granted sole legal custody may make emergency decisions affecting the child(ren)’s health or safety when the child(ren) are in that parent's physical care and control. The grant of sole legal custody to one parent does not deprive the other parent of access to information
regarding the child(ren) unless the court specifically orders, stating the reasons for that determination.
1. Sole legal custody is granted to
Parent A
Parent B for the following reasons:
a.
Agreement of the parents.
b.
The other parent is unable or should not be allowed to exercise decision-making because:
_______________________________________________________________________________.
c.
There is a danger to the child(ren) because:_____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
d.
Other: __________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
2.
Restriction of Information Regarding the Child(ren) to Non Legal Custodian.
The
Parent A Parent B is restrained from accessing the child(ren)’s health, educational and
other
personal
information
because
of
the
following
specific
reasons
:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________.
Section III. Parenting Time Schedule.
Parent A shall have parenting time beginning at ________am pm ending at ______am pm as follows:
Parent A’s Weekday Schedule:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent A’s Weekend Schedule:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent A’s Other Times:
Parent B shall have parenting time beginning at ________am pm ending at ______am pm as follows:
Parent B’s Weekday Schedule:
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Parent B’s Weekend Schedule:
Parent B’s Other Times:
The holiday schedule as set out in the ______________________ (name county) Family Law Guidelines controls
holiday parenting time.
or
The holiday schedule is as follows:
HOLIDAY PARENTING SCHEDULE
Even/Odd/Every
Parent B
New Year's Day: From ___________(day) at ______ (time)
until ________________(day) at ______ (time)
Spring Break: From ___________(day) at ______ (time) until
________________(day) at ______ (time)
Memorial Day/weekend: From ___________(day) at
______ (time) until ________________(day) at ______ (time)
Mother’s Day: From ___________(day) at ______ (time) until
Father’s Day/Weekend: From ___________(day) at
Independence Day: From ___________(day) at ______ (time)
Labor Day/weekend: From ___________(day) at ______
(time) until ________________(day) at ______ (time)
Halloween: From ___________(day) at ______ (time) until
Thanksgiving Day/weekend: From ___________(day) at
Winter Break: From ___________(day) at ______ (time) until
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Other: From ___________(day) at ______ (time) until
Section IV. Dispute Resolution Process
Disputes between the parents, other than about child support, shall be submitted to:
Mediation by:______________________________________________________________(name of mediator)
The following dispute resolution method: _______________________________________________________.
Section V. Military Deployment, Mobilization, or Unaccompanied Tour
Parent B is a military servicemember and the following shall apply upon notice of deployment,
mobilization, temporary duty, or unaccompanied tour:
1.A parent receiving deployment, mobilization, temporary duty or unaccompanied tour orders from the military shall be considered a “deployed parent.”
2.The absence, relocation or failure to comply with a parenting order by a “deployed parent,” shall not by itself constitute a material change in circumstances to make any permanent change to the parenting plan.
3.Any court order limiting previously ordered parenting rights due to the parent's deployment, mobilization, temporary duty, or unaccompanied tour shall state that event as its basis and shall constitute only a “temporary order.”
4.The nondeploying parent shall provide the court and deployed parent at least 30 days advance written notice of any change of address or telephone number.
5.The nondeploying parent shall reasonably accommodate the deployed parent’s leave schedule.
6.The nondeploying parent shall facilitate telephone and electronic communication between the children and the deployed parent.
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7.The deployed parent shall provide the nondeployed parent with timely information about the deployed parent’s anticipated deployment, leave during deployment, and release from deployment.
8.During deployment, mobilization, temporary duty, or unaccompanied tour, the parents shall make decisions about the child(ren) by the following methods:
______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________.
9.During deployment, mobilization, temporary duty, or unaccompanied tour, the child(ren) shall live with:
Parent A Parent B Other
___________________________________________________________and the deployed parent shall have the
following parenting time with the child when available: __________________
Section VI. Address-Change
A. Each parent shall notify the other parent of any address change in writing no less than 30 days before changing address by sending written notice to the other parent by certified mail – restricted delivery, return receipt requested, at that other parent’s last known address.
B. Each parent shall notify the other parent of any plan to remove any child(ren) from the State of Kansas for more than 90 days by sending written notice to the other parent by certified mail – restricted delivery, return receipt requested, at that other parent’s last known address.
C. A parent is not required to give written notice of removal to the other parent under either (A) or (B) if the other parent has been convicted of a crime specified in Article 34 (crimes against persons), Article 35 (sex offenses), or Article 36 (crimes affecting family relationships and children) of Chapter 21 (Crimes and Punishments) of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to which the child(ren) was the victim.
Section VII. Other Requirements
Other requirements for this parenting plan: ______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________.
Section VIII. Signatures: Required if agreed upon by the parties.
Name: X____________________________________
Name: X______________________________________
(Signature)
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Name: _____________________________________
Name: _______________________________________
(Printed)
Address: ___________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
___________________________________
_____________________________________
Telephone: _________________________________
Telephone: ___________________________________
Date Signed: ________________________________
Date Signed: __________________________________
Attorney (if any): ____________________________
Attorney (if any): _______________________________
APPROVED THIS _____DAY OF ___________________, 20______.
______________________________________
DISTRICT JUDGE
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Completing the Kansas Parenting Plan form is an important step in establishing a clear and structured agreement regarding the care and responsibilities for your children. This form will guide you in detailing the arrangements that serve the best interests of your child(ren). Below are the steps to fill out the form accurately.
The Kansas Parenting Plan form is designed to outline the custody and parenting time arrangements for children involved in divorce or separation cases. It serves as a legal document that helps parents establish a structured plan that prioritizes the best interests of their children. The form covers various aspects, including legal custody, parenting time schedules, and dispute resolution processes. By using this form, parents can ensure clarity and consistency in their co-parenting efforts.
Legal custody refers to the authority to make significant decisions regarding a child's upbringing, including matters related to education and health care. In the Kansas Parenting Plan, there are two types of legal custody: joint legal custody and sole legal custody. Joint legal custody means both parents share equal rights and responsibilities in decision-making. Conversely, sole legal custody is granted to one parent, who then has the primary authority to make decisions for the child. The plan must specify which type of custody is being sought and the reasons for that choice.
The parenting time schedule is a crucial component of the Kansas Parenting Plan. It outlines when each parent will spend time with the child, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The schedule should include:
By clearly defining these times, parents can minimize misunderstandings and foster a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
Disputes between parents about the parenting plan, excluding child support issues, should be addressed through a designated dispute resolution process. The Kansas Parenting Plan allows for mediation as a means to resolve conflicts. Parents can specify a mediator's name and the method of resolution they prefer. This structured approach encourages parents to work collaboratively and find solutions that are in the best interests of their children, rather than resorting to litigation.
Incomplete Information: Failing to provide all necessary details about the children, such as their full names, genders, and birth dates, can lead to confusion. Make sure to fill in every section completely.
Not Specifying Custody Arrangements: Some people forget to clearly state whether they want joint or sole legal custody. This is crucial for defining decision-making responsibilities.
Ignoring Parenting Time Details: Leaving out specific times for parenting schedules can cause misunderstandings. Clearly outline when each parent will have time with the children.
Neglecting Dispute Resolution: Failing to include a method for resolving disputes can lead to future conflicts. Specify how disagreements will be handled to avoid complications.
Forgetting to Sign: Some individuals forget to sign the document. Signatures are essential for the plan to be valid, so ensure both parents sign the form.
The Kansas Parenting Plan form is a crucial document for parents navigating custody and parenting time arrangements. However, several other forms and documents often accompany it to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework surrounding child custody. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the process.
Each of these documents plays a vital role in the custody process. Understanding their purpose can help parents navigate the complexities of family law and ensure that their children's best interests are prioritized.
The Kansas Parenting Plan form shares similarities with the Child Custody Agreement. Both documents outline the responsibilities and rights of parents regarding their children after a separation or divorce. They detail custody arrangements, including legal and physical custody, and establish parenting time schedules. Like the Kansas Parenting Plan, a Child Custody Agreement aims to serve the best interests of the child, ensuring that both parents remain actively involved in their child's life. This agreement can be a negotiated document that reflects the wishes of both parents, similar to how the Kansas Parenting Plan allows for joint decision-making.
Another document akin to the Kansas Parenting Plan is the Visitation Agreement. This agreement specifically addresses the non-custodial parent's rights to visit their children. Much like the parenting plan, it includes a schedule for visitation and stipulations for holidays and special occasions. The Visitation Agreement ensures that the child maintains a relationship with both parents, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement. Both documents are designed to provide clarity and structure, reducing potential conflicts over parenting time.
The Joint Custody Agreement also parallels the Kansas Parenting Plan in its focus on shared responsibilities. This document establishes that both parents have equal rights and obligations concerning their child’s upbringing. It includes provisions for decision-making in areas such as education and healthcare, similar to the legal custody sections in the Kansas Parenting Plan. The aim is to foster cooperation between parents, ensuring that the child's best interests are prioritized.
The Co-Parenting Plan is another document that resembles the Kansas Parenting Plan. This plan emphasizes collaboration between parents in raising their children post-separation. It outlines communication methods, conflict resolution strategies, and guidelines for parenting time. Like the Kansas Parenting Plan, the Co-Parenting Plan seeks to create a harmonious environment for the child, encouraging both parents to work together effectively for their child's well-being.
Finally, the Parenting Time Schedule is closely related to the Kansas Parenting Plan. This document specifically focuses on the allocation of time each parent spends with the child. It details the days and times each parent has custody, including holidays and vacations. Both the Parenting Time Schedule and the Kansas Parenting Plan aim to provide a clear structure for parenting time, ensuring that the child's needs are met while maintaining a relationship with both parents.
When filling out the Kansas Parenting Plan form, there are important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Here’s a simple guide to help you.
Misconceptions about the Kansas Parenting Plan form can lead to confusion for parents navigating custody arrangements. Below are four common misconceptions, along with clarifications for each.
This is incorrect. The Kansas Parenting Plan can be both temporary and permanent. Parents can propose a plan that serves the best interests of the child, and the court can develop a plan that becomes a permanent arrangement.
Joint legal custody refers to decision-making authority regarding the child's health and education. It does not necessarily dictate how parenting time is divided. Parents may have joint legal custody but different schedules for when each parent spends time with the child.
This is not true. The Parenting Plan is customizable to fit the specific needs of the family. Parents can outline their unique schedules, preferences, and any special considerations relevant to their children.
This is a misunderstanding. Changes to the Parenting Plan must generally be agreed upon by both parents or approved by the court. A parent cannot simply alter the plan without proper legal procedures.
Filling out and using the Kansas Parenting Plan form is a crucial step for parents navigating custody arrangements. Here are some key takeaways to consider: