The New York Parenting Plan form is a document designed to help parents outline their child's care and parenting time arrangements after separation or divorce. It provides a structured way to address important aspects such as daily schedules, holiday plans, and special occasions. By filling out this form, parents can create a clear and cooperative plan for their child’s well-being.
To get started on your Parenting Plan, please click the button below.
The New York Parenting Plan form is a crucial document for parents navigating custody arrangements. It outlines essential information about the child or children involved, including their names, dates of birth, and genders. One of the primary sections of the form details the parenting time schedule, which specifies when each parent will care for the child. This includes weekday and weekend arrangements, a distinct summer schedule, and a holiday schedule that takes precedence over regular visitation times. Parents can indicate how holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas will be shared, ensuring that both parents have the opportunity to spend time with their children during significant events. Additionally, the form addresses special occasions like birthdays and school breaks, providing options for how these times will be divided. By clearly defining these schedules, the Parenting Plan form helps to create a structured and fair environment for the child, promoting stability and cooperation between parents.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEW YORK - PART
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
X
Plaintiff,
Index No.
-against-
PARENTING PLAN
Defendant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------X
This Plan is: Proposed by Plaintiff. Proposed by Defendant.
1.INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHILD[REN]:
Full Name
Date of Birth
Gender
2.PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE:
2.1Weekday and Weekend Schedule.
Our child[ren] will be in the care of
(list days
of
(name of parent)
week and times):
(list
days
(other parent’s name)
of week and times):
2.2Summer Schedule.
Choose One:
The schedule described above in Section 2.1 will continue throughout the summer except that
OR
The schedule for time with our child[ren] will be different during the summer than it is in the winter (describe below):
days of the week and times):
AND
Our child[ren] will be in care of
of the week and times):
PARENTING PLAN REV 6/13
page 2.
2.3Holiday Schedule.
The following holiday schedule will take priority over the regular weekday, weekend, and summer schedules discussed above. If a holiday is not specified as even, odd or every year with one parent, then our child[ren] will remain with the parent they are normally scheduled to be with.
Check One or Both:
When parents are using an alternating weekend plan and the holiday schedule would result in one parent having the child[ren] for three weekends in a row, the alternating weekend pattern will restart, so neither parent will go without having the child[ren] for more than two weekends in a row.
If a parent has our child[ren] on a weekend with an unspecified holiday or non-school day attached, they shall have our child[ren] for the holiday or non-school day.
Fill in the blanks below with the parent’s name to indicate where the child[ren] will be for the holidays. Provide beginning and ending times.
Holidays
Even Years
Odd Years Every Year
Beginning/Ending Times
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
Thanksgiving
For Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve,
Christmas, New
Christmas
Year’s Eve, and
New Year’s, PROVIDE
New Year’s Eve
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
BELOW in SECTIONS
New Year’s
2.4 and 2.5
Martin Luther
King Day
President’s Day
page 3.
Easter
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Halloween
Veteran’s Day
Other:
2.4Thanksgiving. Details for sharing time with the child[ren] during this holiday are:
2.5Winter Break (Christmas, New Year’s, and School Vacation).
Our child[ren] will be in the care of each parent according to the schedule described in Section 2.1.
Our child[ren] will spend half of Winter Break with each parent on a schedule that is consistent with the alternating holidays described above.
Other: Details for sharing time with the child[ren] during Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day and school vacation are:
page 4.
2.6Spring Break.
Our child[ren] will alternate spending spring break with each parent (indicate which parent).
With
Our child[ren] will spend half of spring break with each parent (provide details):
2.7Child[ren]’s Birthdays. Choose One:
Our child[ren] will be in the care of each parent according to the schedule described in Sections 2.1 and 2.2.
Our child[ren]’s birthdays will be planned so that both parents participate in the birthday celebration.
page 5.
Our child[ren] will celebrate birthdays according to the following plan (indicate which parent has the child[ren], and any other important details.:
2.8Other Holiday and Vacations. Details for sharing time with the child[ren] during other holidays or vacation are:
2.9Number of Overnights.
Our schedule for sharing time with our child[ren] results in our child[ren]
spending
overnights in the home of
(name of
one parent) and
(name of other parent).
2.10Primary Residence (Optional).
We agree that our child[ren] shall primarily reside with (name of one parent).
We agree that neither residence shall be considered the “primary” residence.”
2.11Alternate Care (Optional).
We choose not to specify arrangements for alternate care.
Our arrangements for alternate care are:
page 6.
2.12Temporary Changes to the Schedule.
Any schedule for sharing time with our child[ren] may be changed as long as both parents agree to the changes ahead of time in writing OR
verbally (choose one).
Activities scheduled during the other parent’s time must be coordinated with the other parent.
Makeup and Missed Parenting Time: Only substantial medical reasons will be considered sufficient for postponement of parenting time. If a child is ill and unable to spend time with a parent, a makeup parenting time will be scheduled. If a parent fails to have the child[ren] during their scheduled parenting time for any other reason, there will be no makeup of parenting time unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
2.13Permanent Changes to the Schedule.
We understand that, once the judge signs the final judgment in our case and approves this Parenting Plan, any changes that we do not agree on can be made only by applying to the court and proving that there has been a “change in circumstance.”
Before applying to the court, we understand that we can agree to try to resolve our dispute through mediation or other means.
3.DECISION-MAKING:
3.1Day-to-Day Decisions.
Each parent will make day-to-day decisions regarding the care and control of our child[ren] during the time they are caring for our child[ren]. This includes any emergency decisions affecting the health or safety of our child[ren].
3.2.Major Decisions.
page 7.
Major decisions include, but are not limited to, decisions about our child[ren]’s education, non-emergency healthcare, religious training, and extracurricular activities, including summer camp and the need for tutoring.
(parent’s name) shall have sole
decision-making authority on major decisions about our child[ren]. This arrangement is known by the courts as Sole Custody,
Both parents will share in the responsibility for making major decisions about our child[ren]. This arrangement is known by the courts as Joint Custody.
(Choose One).
(Parent’s name) shall always consult with the
other parent prior to making major decisions.
(Parent’s name) shall have the option to consult
with the other parent prior to making major decisions.
Other - - Describe how major decisions will be handled; including dividing the responsibility for major decisions between the parents according to each parent’s strengths/weaknesses:
4.INFORMATION SHARING:
Unless there is court order stating otherwise:
Both parents are entitled to important information regarding our child[ren]
page 8.
including but not limited to, our child[ren]’s current address and telephone number, education, medical, governmental agency, psychological and law enforcement records.
Information about our child[ren]’s progress in school and any school activity is equally available to both parents. Both parents are encouraged to consult with school staff concerning our child[ren]’s welfare and education.
Both parents will immediately notify each other regarding any emergency circumstances or substantial changes in the health of our child[ren].
Both parents will provide each other with contact numbers and addresses and will notify each other of any change in that information within 72 hours of such a change. If either parent takes our child[ren] from their usual place of residence, they will provide the other parent with an emergency contact phone number.
5.RELOCATION OF A PARENT:
5.1Neither parent shall relocate outside his/her immediate vicinity without the prior permission of the other parent or an order of the court.
5.2Other:
6.PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION:
Both parents and child[ren] shall have the right to communicate by telephone, in writing or by e-mail during reasonable hours without interference or monitoring by the other parent.
page 9.
Procedures for telephone, written or e-mail access (describe how access will work):
7.EXCHANGE OF OUR CHILD[REN]:
7.1 Choose One:
Both parents will share equally in the responsibility of exchanging our child[ren] from one parent to the other while parents continue to reside in the same locale.
Procedures for exchanging our child[ren] (provide details):
7.2Both parents shall have the child[ren] ready on time with sufficient clothing packed and ready at the agreed-upon time of the exchange.
All clothing that accompanied our child[ren] shall be returned to the other parent.
8.MUTUAL RESPECT:
Parents will not say things or knowingly allow others to say things in the presence of our child[ren] that would take away our child[ren]’s love and respect for the other parent.
9.OTHER TERMS:
Add any other items regarding the child[ren] you would like to include in your
page 10.
Filling out the New York Parenting Plan form is an important step in establishing a clear framework for co-parenting. This form helps outline the responsibilities and schedules for both parents regarding their children. To ensure accuracy and clarity, follow these steps carefully.
The New York Parenting Plan form is designed to outline the parenting arrangements for children following a separation or divorce. It serves as a written agreement between parents regarding custody, visitation, and other important aspects of child-rearing. By providing a clear framework, the form aims to ensure that the best interests of the child are prioritized and that both parents are aware of their responsibilities and rights.
Both parents involved in a custody arrangement should complete the Parenting Plan form. It can be proposed by either the plaintiff or the defendant in a custody case. Collaboration between parents is encouraged to create a plan that reflects their shared goals for their child’s upbringing. This cooperative approach can help reduce conflicts and promote a stable environment for the child.
The form requires basic information about the child or children, including:
This information helps to identify the child(ren) involved in the parenting plan and ensures that all details pertain specifically to them.
The parenting time schedule is divided into several sections, including weekday and weekend schedules, summer schedules, and holiday schedules. Parents must specify:
This structured approach helps clarify expectations and minimize misunderstandings regarding parenting time.
The Parenting Plan form includes specific provisions for holidays. Parents can choose to alternate holidays or establish a schedule that allows one parent to have the child(ren) during certain holidays each year. It is important to fill out the details for each holiday, including:
This ensures that both parents have an opportunity to spend meaningful time with their child(ren) during significant occasions.
Yes, the Parenting Plan can be modified after submission. Changes may be necessary due to evolving circumstances, such as changes in work schedules, relocation, or the needs of the child(ren). Parents should communicate openly about any desired changes and may need to submit a revised plan to the court for approval. It is essential to keep the child's best interests in mind when considering modifications.
Incomplete Information: Failing to provide full names, dates of birth, and genders of the child(ren) can lead to confusion. Ensure all details are filled in completely.
Unclear Parenting Time Schedule: Not specifying exact days and times for each parent can create misunderstandings. Clearly outline the weekday and weekend schedules for both parents.
Neglecting the Summer Schedule: Forgetting to address how parenting time will change during the summer can result in conflicts. Clearly state any differences from the regular schedule.
Ambiguous Holiday Arrangements: Failing to specify which parent will have the child(ren) on holidays can lead to disputes. Be explicit about holiday schedules and any special arrangements.
Ignoring Special Events: Not including details about sharing time during significant occasions, such as birthdays or family gatherings, can lead to hurt feelings. Make sure to outline how these events will be handled.
Inconsistent Plans: Presenting conflicting information in different sections of the form can cause confusion. Ensure that all sections align with each other for clarity.
Failure to Review: Not reviewing the completed form for errors or omissions can lead to issues later. Take the time to double-check all entries before submission.
The New York Parenting Plan form serves as a crucial document in establishing a structured parenting arrangement after separation or divorce. Alongside this form, several other documents are often required to ensure a comprehensive approach to child custody and parenting responsibilities. Below is a list of commonly associated forms and documents that may be necessary in conjunction with the Parenting Plan.
Collectively, these documents create a framework that supports effective co-parenting. They help clarify expectations and responsibilities, ultimately prioritizing the well-being of the child(ren) involved. Understanding and preparing these forms can significantly ease the transition for both parents and children during a challenging time.
The New York Custody Agreement is similar to the Parenting Plan form in that it outlines the responsibilities and rights of each parent regarding their children. Both documents focus on custody arrangements, detailing how parenting time is divided between the parents. They also include schedules for holidays, weekends, and special occasions, ensuring that both parents are aware of their time with the children. This agreement serves as a legal framework to help parents cooperate and make decisions in the best interest of their children.
The Child Support Agreement is another document that shares similarities with the Parenting Plan. While the Parenting Plan focuses on parenting time and responsibilities, the Child Support Agreement deals with financial obligations. Both documents are essential in establishing clear expectations for both parents. They work together to ensure that not only is the child's time divided fairly, but also that their financial needs are met, providing a comprehensive approach to co-parenting.
The Visitation Schedule is closely related to the Parenting Plan as it also outlines the time each parent spends with their child. This document may provide more specific details about visitations, including pick-up and drop-off times, locations, and any conditions that may apply. Like the Parenting Plan, the Visitation Schedule aims to create a structured environment for the child, promoting stability and routine in their lives.
The Mediation Agreement can also be compared to the Parenting Plan. This document typically arises when parents seek to resolve disputes regarding custody and visitation through mediation. Both the Parenting Plan and Mediation Agreement aim to foster cooperation between parents. They encourage open communication and negotiation, helping parents reach a mutual understanding about their children's needs and well-being.
Finally, the Divorce Settlement Agreement often includes parenting provisions similar to those found in the Parenting Plan. This document is a comprehensive agreement that outlines the terms of a divorce, including child custody, visitation, and support. Both documents focus on the best interests of the child and establish a clear framework for co-parenting. The Divorce Settlement Agreement serves as a broader context in which the Parenting Plan operates, ensuring that all aspects of the family situation are addressed.
When filling out the New York Parenting Plan form, it’s important to approach the task thoughtfully. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Understanding the New York Parenting Plan form can be challenging. Here are ten common misconceptions that can lead to confusion.
Understanding these misconceptions can help parents navigate the complexities of the New York Parenting Plan form more effectively.
Filling out the New York Parenting Plan form is an important step in establishing a clear and structured parenting agreement. Here are key takeaways to consider:
By carefully considering these points, parents can create a comprehensive and effective Parenting Plan that promotes the well-being of their child(ren).