Some parents split up and stay civil. No drama, no court battles, no bitterness—just two adults doing their best for their kids.
If that sounds like you, you might be thinking:
“We’re getting along. Do we really need a parenting plan?”
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: You’ll be glad you have one—especially when life gets messy (and it eventually will).
What Is a Parenting Plan, Exactly?
A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines:
- Where the child will live
- When each parent will have time with the child
- How holidays, birthdays, and school breaks are shared
- How decisions (like school or healthcare) are made
- How you’ll handle communication and changes in schedule
In Georgia, it’s a required part of any divorce or custody case involving children.
But We’re Getting Along—Why Put It in Writing?
That’s exactly why you should.
- When things are peaceful, you can make thoughtful decisions—not rushed or reactive ones.
- It gives you a solid foundation that’s fair and balanced, agreed on by both of you.
- It prevents arguments before they happen.
Think of it like insurance: you hope you don’t need it, but if something goes wrong—it’s already in place.
What Can Go Wrong Without a Parenting Plan?
Here are just a few real-life situations we see:
- One parent moves or gets a new job and the old “handshake schedule” doesn’t work anymore
- A new partner enters the picture, and suddenly decisions feel less neutral
- School events, summer camps, or holidays cause confusion or disagreements
- A misunderstanding turns into a standoff, and now no one knows what’s “allowed”
Without a written plan, you have no legal fallback—which can mean going to court later when things escalate.
What Makes a Good Parenting Plan?
A good plan is clear, fair, and flexible.
Here’s what we include when we create one:
- Weekly schedules (including pickups and drop-offs)
- Holiday rotations (who gets which holiday each year)
- Travel and vacation rules
- Decision-making responsibilities (medical, school, activities)
- Conflict resolution steps if parents disagree
We tailor it to your life—not just a cookie-cutter form. Because every family is different.
Will a Parenting Plan Be Enforced by the Court?
Yes—and that’s the point.
Once approved by a judge, your parenting plan becomes a court order. That means both parents are legally bound to follow it.
If one person breaks the agreement, you can take legal steps to fix it. Without a court-approved plan? It’s just your word against theirs.
What If We Want to Keep It Informal?
You can still be flexible. A parenting plan doesn’t mean you can’t trade weekends or adjust the schedule.
It just gives you something to fall back on when you don’t agree.
🛑 And if things ever stop being so friendly? You’ll be thankful you set clear expectations from the start.
You Don’t Need Conflict to Need Protection
A parenting plan isn’t about control—it’s about consistency.
For your child, it creates stability. For you, it prevents future headaches. For everyone, it’s a smart move.
At Catherine Ryan Law, we help you create parenting plans that are:
- Legally sound
- Personalized for your situation
- Designed to avoid drama down the road
Click here to schedule your consultation
Let’s protect what matters most—your peace, your time, and your child’s future.