Kansas Parenting Plan

A parenting plan is a document filed with the court to assist families who are going through a divorce, by considering the effects of the divorce on all family members. A parenting plan does not include property division or financial issues. Both parents are required to put together a document regarding specific parenting duties. Both parents should be actively involved in the preparation of this document. The main concern that is considered in preparing a parenting plan is the best interest of the children.

Your parenting plan should include: (1) a plan for both parents to continue to be involved with the children's activities including school, sports, and other interests; (2) an agreement about which parent will have residency of the children and a plan for parenting time with the other parent; (3) a plan for how major decisions will be made regarding the children's education, health care, and religious upbringing; (4) an agreement on a schedule for holidays, special occasions, vacations, and unique situations; (5) a plan to reduce harmful parental conflict, including a way to modify the agreement when necessary to adjust to the changing needs of the children and parents; and (6) an agreement to use mediation or other nonjudical procedures to resolve any future disputes which may develop.

Kansas law requires a court to develop a parenting plan when a divorce which involves children is filed in a court. The parents may both agree to a plan they develop, a plan their lawyers develop, or a plan developed with the assistance of a mediator. A judge will review the plan to ensure it is in the best interest of the children. The court may approve the plan, modify the plan, or request that the parents develop a new plan.