Creating a parenting plan: what must it include?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Parents with minor children often have to create a parenting plan when they divorce. Clear, workable arrangements reduce later conflicts.
General information about Dutch law · Review date not recorded · How we work
Create your parenting plan
Enter your proposals and download an editable Word file. You can also take a partially completed draft to a meeting.
Your input remains on this screen and is not sent to us or saved. Download your draft before closing the page. You may use initials.
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Your family
You may use first names or initials. Complete the situation separately for each child; an additional child can be added in the same field.
For each child, state name or initials and age. A BSN is not needed.
Parental authority and the division of care time are different things. Unsure? Add that.
State what applies and which points you want to change. The draft does not automatically replace existing decisions.
Links to information and support open in a new tab; your input remains here.
On this page
When is a parenting plan mandatory?
A plan is mandatory in a divorce or termination of a registered partnership involving minor children. Cohabiting parents who have joint parental authority must also create a plan when they separate.
These topics must be included
Describe how you will divide care and upbringing and how you will pay the children's costs. Also agree how you will keep each other informed and consult together. State how you have involved the children in the arrangements, in a way appropriate to their age.
Make clear, workable arrangements
Agree on which days and at what times the children will be with each of you and who will collect and drop them off. Also make arrangements about holidays, public holidays, school, medical decisions and contact times. Record how arrangements can be changed and what you will do in the event of delay, illness or an unexpected change.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Parental authority and primary residence of each child
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Parental authority and primary residence of each child
- Weekly schedule with exact handover times
- Transport, holidays and public holidays
- Information about school and health
- Child maintenance and special costs
- How arrangements will be amended later
Frequently asked questions
Must a parenting plan be prepared by a lawyer?
You may prepare arrangements yourself. In divorce proceedings, a lawyer submits the application and the parenting plan to the court.
What if the other parent does not want to cooperate?
Record your attempts and proposals. A lawyer can explain whether an application without a joint plan is possible and ask the court to make decisions about the children.