What specific topics and details should be included when creating a formal parenting plan in California?

A formal parenting plan in California must detail legal and physical custody arrangements, including a specific timeshare schedule and rules for decision-making, to serve the child's best interest. Here are the specific topics to include when creating your plan. Step 1: Define Legal Custody State whether legal custody will be joint or sole. Specify which parent has the authority to make decisions regarding the child's health, education, and welfare. For joint legal custody, detail how you will consult each other on major decisions and how you will handle disagreements. Step 2: Outline the Physical Custody and Parenting Schedule Clearly define the parenting time schedule. Do not use vague terms like "reasonable visitation." Instead, specify the exact days and times the child will be with each parent during the school year, school breaks, and summer vacation. Create a detailed holiday schedule that lists specific holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays) and states which parent has the child in odd or even years. Step 3: Include Transportation and Communication Rules Determine who is responsible for transporting the child for exchanges and the specific location for drop-offs and pick-ups. Establish rules for communication between parents and between each parent and the child. This includes acceptable methods (phone, text, email) and frequency. Step 4: Address Travel and Relocation Include provisions for out-of-state or international travel with the child, such as requirements for written consent from the other parent and providing a full travel itinerary. You should also include a clause that addresses relocation, requiring advance written notice (typically 45 days) if a parent plans to move with the child. Step 5: Plan for Dispute Resolution Incorporate a clause requiring you and the other parent to attend mediation or co-parenting counseling to resolve future disagreements before returning to court. This can save significant time and money. You can find official forms, such as FL-341 (Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment), on the California Courts website (www.courts.ca.gov) to guide your drafting. Important considerations: The guiding principle for any parenting plan is the "best interest of the child" standard under California Family Code Section 3011. Your plan must be detailed and specific to prevent future conflict and confusion. Note: The court must approve your parenting plan for it to become a legally enforceable order. A judge can reject a plan they find is unclear, incomplete, or not in the child’s best interest. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.