12 Parenting Plan Examples (With Sample Wording You Can Copy)

One of the hardest parts of writing a parenting plan is knowing how to word it. You know what you want, but turning it into clear, enforceable language is daunting. Seeing real examples helps enormously. Below are twelve example clauses covering the core areas of a parenting plan, with sample wording you can adapt to your own family. Treat these as starting points — every family is different, and you should have a final plan reviewed by a family law professional before it becomes a court order.

What Makes a Good Parenting Plan Clause?

Before the examples, one principle ties them all together: good clauses are specific. Vague language — "the parents will share holidays reasonably" — is the single most common cause of later disputes, because "reasonable" means different things to each parent. Strong clauses name dates, times, locations, and what happens if something goes wrong. The examples below are written that way on purpose.

1. Custody Schedule Clause

The children shall reside with each parent on an alternating basis under a 5-2-2-5 schedule. Parent A shall have the children each Monday and Tuesday; Parent B shall have the children each Wednesday and Thursday; and the parents shall alternate Friday 3:00 PM through Monday 8:00 AM, beginning with Parent A on the first full weekend after this plan takes effect.

Always tie your schedule to a concrete start point so the rotation is never ambiguous. For the full range of schedules to choose from, see our custody schedule comparison guide.

2. Handover (Exchange) Clause

Exchanges shall take place at the children's school at the start and end of the school day where possible. On non-school days, exchanges shall occur at [neutral location] at the times set out in the schedule. The receiving parent shall be responsible for transportation. Each parent shall ensure the children's belongings, medications, and school items travel with them.

A school-based handover removes direct contact between parents — useful in higher-conflict situations. See making handovers easier.

3. Holiday Schedule Clause

The parents shall alternate the following holidays each year: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's. In even-numbered years, Parent A shall have Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; in odd-numbered years, Parent B shall. Holiday time supersedes the regular schedule. Each parent shall have the children for [number] weeks during summer vacation, dates to be confirmed by April 1 each year.

Holidays cause more conflict than any other area — be exhaustive. Our holiday custody schedule guide covers this in depth.

4. Communication Clause

The parents shall communicate about the children primarily in writing through [co-parenting app / email]. Routine messages shall be responded to within 24 hours; urgent matters affecting the children's safety or health shall be communicated by phone immediately. Communication shall remain respectful and child-focused at all times.

For more sample language here, see our sample parenting plan communication clauses.

5. Decision-Making (Legal Custody) Clause

The parents shall share joint legal custody and shall consult with each other on all major decisions regarding the children's education, non-emergency medical care, and religious upbringing. Day-to-day decisions shall be made by the parent with whom the children are residing at the time. In the event of an emergency, the parent present shall make necessary decisions and notify the other parent as soon as practicable.

See joint versus sole custody for how decision-making authority is structured.

6. Right of First Refusal Clause

If either parent is unable to personally care for the children for a period exceeding [4] hours during their scheduled time, that parent shall first offer the other parent the opportunity to care for the children before arranging alternative childcare.

This keeps children with a parent rather than a babysitter when possible — but set the threshold sensibly, or it becomes a source of micromanagement.

7. Medical Clause

Both parents shall have full access to the children's medical records and the right to consult with treating providers. The parent with the children shall ensure they attend scheduled medical and dental appointments. Each parent shall notify the other of any illness, injury, or medical appointment within [24] hours.

More detail in our guide to communicating medical information with your co-parent.

8. School and Activities Clause

Both parents shall be listed as emergency contacts and shall have equal access to school records, reports, and events. The parent with the children on a given day shall ensure they attend school and complete homework. Decisions about new extracurricular activities, and the sharing of related costs, shall be made jointly.

9. Travel and Vacation Clause

Either parent may travel domestically with the children during their scheduled time, providing the other parent with an itinerary and contact information at least [7] days in advance. International travel requires the written consent of both parents, who shall cooperate in obtaining and sharing the children's passports.

10. Relocation Clause

Neither parent shall relocate the children's primary residence more than [50] miles or out of state without first providing [60] days' written notice and obtaining either the other parent's written consent or a court order.

Relocation is a major issue — see our relocation and custody guide.

11. Dispute Resolution Clause

Before filing any motion to modify or enforce this plan, the parents shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation with a neutral, mutually agreed mediator, sharing the cost equally, except in cases involving the safety of a child.

A mediation-first clause keeps minor disagreements out of court. Compare the routes in our mediation versus litigation guide.

12. Review and Modification Clause

The parents shall review this plan [annually / when the youngest child reaches age 6 and again at age 13] to ensure it continues to meet the children's developmental needs. Either parent may request a review at any time if circumstances change substantially.

A review clause is essential because the right arrangement changes as children grow — see our best custody schedules by age guide.

How Do You Turn These Examples Into a Complete Plan?

These twelve clauses cover the backbone of a parenting plan, but a full document weaves them together and adds the details specific to your family. Our step-by-step guide to creating a parenting plan that actually works walks through the whole process, and our parenting plan template guide explains what each section should contain.

For ready-to-use, fillable templates with this kind of wording already drafted, our Parenting Agreement Toolkit gives you a complete, editable document plus a guide to every clause — so you are adapting professional language rather than writing from a blank page. Whatever route you take, have your final plan reviewed by a family law professional before it is signed or submitted to a court.