How can we record child arrangements when we separate?

There are various ways to record the arrangements for children when parents’ end their relationship.

Include the agreed arrangements in a Parenting Plan. A plan provides a record of the agreement that both parents can refer back to. There are various online parenting plan tools and apps such as on the CAFCASS website which can be shared with the other parent so you can both make changes to it together.

Alternatively, you could record the terms of the agreed child arrangements in a Separation Agreement.

If you attend mediation, the agreed child arrangements can be included in the Memorandum of Understanding. This is issued by the mediator at the conclusion of your mediation and will contain a summary of everything that you and your ex-partner agreed upon.