Free parenting plan template (Australia)
A free Australian parenting plan template from Quillio covers: living arrangements, time with each parent, communication, decision-making, changeovers, education, health, and cultural considerations. A parenting plan is a written agreement signed and dated by both parents under section 63C of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). It is not binding like a court order but is a useful foundation for resolving parenting matters and can be referred to in later court proceedings.
Post-2024 reforms
Since the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 took effect in May 2024, parenting orders (and plans) now focus more directly on the "best interests of the child" under the revised section 60CC factors. The presumption of equal shared parental responsibility was repealed. Parenting plans should reflect these reforms — what genuinely works for the child, not a default equal-time arrangement.
What a good parenting plan covers
Living arrangements (primary residence, shared care structure); time (week-on-week-off, 3/4 school night patterns, holidays, special days); decision-making (major long-term issues like schooling, religion, medical); communication (phone, video, email); changeovers (where, when, who); education; health; cultural and religious considerations; travel (domestic and international); and dispute resolution (FDR before court).
Parenting plan vs consent orders
A parenting plan is not legally enforceable — breach is not contempt of court. Consent orders are enforceable by the court. Parenting plans are useful for flexible, cooperative arrangements that may evolve. Consent orders are better where there is a history of non-compliance or where certainty matters. Parenting plans can be converted to consent orders when appropriate.
How I draft parenting plans
Tell me the parents, children, current living arrangements, and preferred schedule. I draft a parenting plan in under 90 seconds that covers standard elements plus any client-specific concerns (relocation, overseas travel, cultural considerations). For family lawyers preparing mediation documents this saves meaningful time.
Common issues
- Parenting plans are not enforceable — for higher-conflict matters, consent orders are better
- A new parenting plan supersedes a previous one — date and sign clearly
- Post-2024, equal time is not a default — the plan should reflect what works for the child
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