Heading into parenting plan mediation?
Knowing what to prepare in advance can boost your confidence and make your session much more productive.
Here’s a helpful checklist to guide you.
☐ Parenting Time and Schedule
- Your ideal weekly and weekend schedule
- Preferences for holidays, school breaks, and vacation time
- Ideas for birthdays, special events, and family traditions
- Travel or transportation logistics between homes
- Work schedules, childcare needs, or other factors that affect availability
Tip: Visualize what a typical week would look like for your child. Also consider where your family might need flexibility.
☐ Decision-Making Responsibilities
Consider how you would like to handle major decisions about:
- Education (school choices, tutoring, learning supports)
- Healthcare (medical treatments, therapy, insurance matters)
- Extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, hobbies)
- Religious, spiritual, or cultural practices
- Communication methods (texts, emails, parenting apps)
Tip: It is perfectly fine to divide responsibilities. Some parents collaborate on everything, while others split decision-making based on interests or areas of strength.
☐ Communication Agreements
- How you would prefer to communicate with your co-parent (email, app, phone)
- Guidelines for keeping communication respectful and child-focused
- Plans for how and when your child can reach the other parent while not in their care
Tip: Parenting communication apps like OurFamilyWizard or Talking Parents can simplify logistics and reduce unnecessary conflict.
☐ Special Considerations
- Medical, educational, or emotional needs unique to your child
- Safety concerns or past conflict that should be addressed
- Expectations for introducing new partners
- Plans related to relocation, travel, or major moves
- Technology guidelines, including screen time limits
Tip: Be honest with yourself and your mediator. A complete, realistic picture leads to a stronger parenting plan.
☐ Future Changes and Dispute Resolution
- How future changes will be handled as your child grows
- What process you will use if disagreements arise
- Whether you would like to include a return-to-mediation clause
Tip: A good parenting plan is flexible enough to grow with your child’s changing needs. Having a plan for adjustments prevents future stress.
Optional Items to Bring to Mediation
- School calendars, extracurricular schedules, or activity lists
- Your personal work calendar or travel commitments
- A list of holidays, traditions, and special family days
- Notes about your child’s routines, preferences, or comfort items
- Any existing legal documents, court orders, or previous agreements
- An open mindset and a willingness to compromise
Remember: Being prepared does not mean you need to have all the answers. It simply means you are showing up ready to create a plan that supports your child’s stability and growth.
Your mediator will guide you through the process—step by step.
