WHAT IS A PARENTING PLAN?
A parenng plan is a wrien agreement describing how people, called pares, will care for and make decisions
about their child(ren). It may be an inial agreement or a modicaon of an exisng agreement. A parenng
plan is a guide that includes topics about when the child(ren) spend me with you (parenng me or physical
custody) and how decisions about the child(ren) are made (decision-making authority or legal custody).
A “party” is a person seeking to establish or maintain a parent-child relaonship with the child(ren).
You can work together, separately, or with a mediator to develop a parenng plan. If you agree on a parenng
plan, le it with the court. If the court decides that the plan is in the best interest of the child(ren), it may be
wrien into a court order. The court then has authority to enforce the order. If you cannot agree on a parenng
plan, the court will decide what is in the best interest of the child(ren).
WHY A PARENTING PLAN IS IMPORTANT
By seng clear expectaons, you can reduce conict, and avoid the cost, stress, and reliance on the court to
handle parenng issues. You know about the child(ren)’s interests, needs, and rounes and are likely in a beer
posion than a court to develop a plan that works for the family.
HOW TO CREATE A PARENTING PLAN
Use a Maryland Parenng Plan Tool (CC-DR-109), which you will get at your rst court appearance. Or, nd it at
mdcourts.gov/court-forms/ccdr109.pdf. Before you sign a parenng plan, consider asking a lawyer to review it.
• If you are sent to mediaon
Review the Maryland Parenng Plan Tool and consider how the topics apply to your family.
Mediaon will give you a chance to develop soluons unique to your child(ren). You do not need to
complete the form before mediaon but think about topics you want to discuss. You and the other
party will work together to nd soluons. Bring this tool to help the mediator focus on issues
involving your child(ren).
• If you are not sent to mediaon
Review the Maryland Parenng Plan Tool and consider the needs and interests of your family. Bring
the completed form to the pre-trial/selement conference, where the court will determine which
issues are in dispute. mdcourts.gov/court-forms/ccdr109.pdf
WHAT SHOULD I THINK ABOUT WHEN CREATING A PARENTING PLAN?
Consider the unique needs and interests of each child and whether you want a plan for each child. Children
change as they get older. A strong plan sets clear guidelines for each of you, but is exible. Also, keep in mind
the factors for you to consider to determine if the plan is in the best interest of the child(ren).
Maryland Parenng Plan Instrucons
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