Free Co-Parenting Plan Templates (UK & US)

A good co-parenting plan is the foundation of a functional separation. Whether you're just separating or formalising an arrangement that's been working informally, having everything written down reduces conflict, clarifies expectations, and helps both parents focus on what matters — the kids.

Below you'll find free co-parenting plan templates covering the key areas most families need. These work for both UK and US families (with jurisdiction-specific notes where relevant).

What Should a Co-Parenting Plan Include?

Every family is different, but most co-parenting plans cover these core areas:

Free Templates

Use these templates as a starting point. Copy the structure that works for your family into a document and customise the details. We recommend both parents review and agree on each section before finalising.

Custody Schedule Templates

Alternating Weeks

One of the most common arrangements for school-aged children. Each parent has the child for a full week at a time, with handovers typically on Fridays or Sundays.

• Week 1: Parent A has the child Monday–Sunday
• Week 2: Parent B has the child Monday–Sunday
• Handover: Sunday evening or Monday before school

2-2-3 Schedule

A popular split that ensures neither parent goes more than a few days without seeing the child.

• Mon–Tue: Parent A
• Wed–Thu: Parent B
• Fri–Sun: Parent A (alternates the following week)

Weekdays / Weekends Split

One parent has the child during the week (school days), the other on weekends. Common when one parent lives closer to school.

• School year: Parent A Mon–Thu, Parent B Fri–Sun
• School holidays: Alternating weeks

Holiday Schedule Template

A typical alternating holiday schedule:

• Christmas (even years): Parent A has Dec 24–26, Parent B has Dec 27–Jan 2
• Christmas (odd years): Reverse the above
• Spring break: Alternating years
• Summer break: 2-week alternating blocks
• Child's birthday: Alternating years, or 4 hours with each parent
• Mother's/Father's Day: Always with the relevant parent

UK-Specific Considerations

In the UK, co-parenting plans are often called "parenting plans" and are encouraged by CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service). They're not legally binding but courts view them favourably. Key UK considerations:

• Use "Parent with care" and "Non-resident parent" terminology
• Child maintenance is calculated via the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) formula
• Parental responsibility is automatic for both mothers and married fathers
• Unmarried fathers can acquire parental responsibility by agreement or court order

US-Specific Considerations

In the US, parenting plans are often called "parenting time schedules" or "custody agreements" and are submitted to family court. Key US considerations:

• Terms vary by state — "legal custody" vs "physical custody" are distinct
• Child support is calculated using state-specific guidelines (income shares model)
• Many states require a parenting plan as part of divorce proceedings
• Relocation clauses (what happens if a parent moves) should be included

Making It Work With Larkling

Once you've agreed on your parenting plan, Larkling helps you put it into action. Use the shared calendar to schedule custody rotations, track expenses in real time, and keep all communication documented in one place — no need to refer back to emails or paper records.

Premium users can export the full schedule and expense history as tamper-evident PDFs if you ever need to reference the plan in formal proceedings.