Parenting Plans
A parenting plan is a written document that outlines how parents will raise their children after separation or divorce. A parenting plan does not have to use legal terms. A parenting plan generally focuses on describing parenting arrangements such as:
- when and how much time each parent will spend with a child
- how decisions about the child are made (for example, jointly or individually but in consultation with the other parent)
- how information is shared between parents
- how other parenting issues may be addressed
A parenting plan is also a requirement to proceed in the Manitoba court if parents do not agree on parenting arrangements for their children, in which case each parent must complete one.
The Manitoba government’s For the Sake of the Children parent information program provides information to help parents develop a child–focused parenting plan. You may also choose to consult a family lawyer when you are developing a parenting plan. A family law lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights and responsibilities before you make the plan final.
For more information about parenting plans, including a checklist and-interactive tool to assist you in creating a plan, please visit the Justice Canada website