Parenting Plan Response Document

PARENTING PLAN RESPONSE DOCUMENT

IN THE FAMILY COURT:   CASE NO.:

Responding Parent Name:   Other Parent Name:

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the parties are the parents of the following minor children and each has a legal and custodial interest in the care, custody and control of those children:

WHEREAS, an initial parenting plan was proposed in this matter on and the Responding Parent submits this written response to that proposed plan and to any temporary orders in effect.

WHEREAS, the parties desire a durable, specific and enforceable plan for parental responsibilities, residential schedule and decision-making for the health, education and welfare of the minor children.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth below, the Responding Parent responds to the proposed parenting plan and respectfully requests the Court adopt the following terms, subject to further order of the Court.

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Parenting Plan Response Document, the following definitions apply: "Primary Residence" means the principal home where a child resides for school registration and primary health care; "Parenting Time" refers to the time a parent is responsible for the daily care of a child; "Legal Decision-Making" (sometimes called legal custody) includes authority to make major decisions regarding a child's health, education and religion.

2. RESPONSE TO PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL SCHEDULE

The Responding Parent indicates the following as to the proposed residential schedule:

  I agree to the proposed residential schedule as submitted to the Court.

  I object to the proposed residential schedule and propose the following modifications:

3. LEGAL DECISION-MAKING

The Responding Parent's position regarding legal decision-making authority is as follows:

  Joint legal decision-making (both parents share authority on major issues).

  Sole legal decision-making to:

If joint decision-making is selected, list any categories for which sole decision-making is requested (include specific limitations or procedures for dispute resolution if parents disagree):

4. PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE

The proposed detailed parenting time schedule for weekdays, weekends and holiday time is described below. If objecting, provide the alternative schedule requested.

5. EXCHANGES AND TRANSPORTATION

The parties shall specify the primary exchange locations and responsibility for transportation. If the Responding Parent proposes different terms, set them out below.

6. CHILD SUPPORT AND EXPENSES

The Responding Parent acknowledges that child support and allocation of unreimbursed medical, educational and extracurricular expenses are subject to statutory guidelines and Court determination. The Responding Parent's position is as follows:

7. HEALTH, EDUCATION AND EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES

The parties shall cooperate in sharing information and costs for health care, school matters and extraordinary expenses. Specify consent requirements, notice obligations and expense-sharing percentages if different from statutory presumptions.

8. COMMUNICATION AND ACCESS

The Responding Parent proposes the following reasonable communication protocols for the children, including electronic communication, electronic monitoring, and notice of relocation.

9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Prior to seeking relief from the Court on any dispute arising under this Parenting Plan, the parties agree to attempt the following dispute resolution process:

  Non-binding mediation with a mutually agreed mediator.

  Parenting coordination for implementation disputes, as ordered.

10. EMERGENCY AND TEMPORARY ORDERS

For emergency medical care or immediate safety concerns, the parent with the child at the time shall seek necessary care and promptly notify the other parent. The Responding Parent requests the following temporary provisions pending final resolution:

11. CONFIDENTIALITY

The parties shall keep children's records and sensitive information confidential and shall not disclose confidential medical, psychological or educational records except as necessary for the child's care, with appropriate protections. Any exchange of records must comply with applicable privacy standards.

12. MODIFICATION, REVIEW AND RELOCATION

The Responding Parent understands that this Parenting Plan may be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare. The parties propose that the Court review the plan every months, or sooner upon motion.

Proposed relocation notice requirement: if either parent intends to relocate with a child more than miles, written notice shall be provided at least days prior to relocation, and the parties shall engage in good faith negotiation or seek Court determination.

13. ENFORCEMENT

The parties agree that failure to comply with custody, parenting time, exchange or notice provisions may result in remedies available to the Court, including make-up parenting time, modification, contempt, or other relief. The Responding Parent requests the Court consider the best interests of the children as set forth in evidence when determining remedies.

NOTICES

All formal notices required under this Parenting Plan Response Document shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses below by personal service, certified mail, or courier. Notice is effective upon receipt.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Governing Law: This Parenting Plan Response Document shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Court sits. The parties submit to the jurisdiction of that Court for purposes of enforcement and modification.

Entire Agreement: This Response, together with any orders entered by the Court, constitutes the entire understanding of the Responding Parent regarding the matters stated herein and supersedes all prior written or oral agreements between the parties regarding the same subject matter.

Severability: If any provision of this Response is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.

Amendments; Waiver; Counterparts: This Response may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties and approved by the Court. No waiver of any provision shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party waiving compliance. This Response may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

DECLARATION AND CERTIFICATION

I, the Responding Parent, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State in which this Court sits that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I request that the Court consider this Response and any proposed modifications set forth herein.

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